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REPORT 


PUB^.v.    BATHS 


AND 


PUBLIC  COMFORT  STATIONS, 


BEING  A 


Supplementary   Keport  to   the  Inquiries   Into  the   Tenement 

House  Question  in  the  City  of  New  Yoek,  Pursuant 

to    Chapter   479   of   the   Laws   of   1894, 


BY 


THE  MAYOR'S  COMMITTEE 


OF  NEW  YORK  CITY. 

OFTH-e 

UN1VER<^;"^  Y 

OF 


TRANSMITTED   TO   THE    LEGISLATURE     APRIL    9,     1897. 


WYNKOOP  HALLENBECK  CRAWFORD  CO. 

STATE)   printers. 

ALBANY  AND  NEW  YORK. 

1897. 


uv'^ 


PUBLIC      ■ 

HEALTH 

MBRAPf 


V-. 


State  of  New  York, 


No.    C^G. 


IN  ASSEMBLY 


April  9,  1897. 


Report  on  Public  Baths  and  Public  Comfort 
Stations. 


City  of  New  York.     The  Mayor's  Committee   PuiiLic  -^ 

Baths  and  Public  Comfort  Stations.  [• 

105  East  22D  Street,  New  York,  March  25,  1897.  ) 

To  the  Assembly  : 

I  have  the  honor  to  submit  herewith  a  Report  on  Pubhc  Baths  and 
Public  Comfort  Stations,  being  the  report  of  a  Committee  appointed  by 
His  Honor  the  Mayor  of  New  York,  to  take  under  advisement  the  above 
subjects  and  report  to  Iiini,  with  a  view  to  the  best  methods  of  action  for 
the  cities  of  the  State. 

In  the  subject  matter,  it  is  supplemental  to  the  inquiries  into  the 
Tenement  House  Question  in  the  City  of  New  York,  pursuant  to  Chap- 
ter 479  of  the  Laws  of  1894. 

Respectfully    submitted, 

W.  H.  TOLMAN, 

Secretary. 


1GG388 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Chapter  I'ajce- 

I       Illl  i-{)<llicl(ir.v 1."! 

II     'I'Im-   M.iyor's  Coiuiiiit'lot'  on  Public  Rnitiis  ;iihI   ruhlic  Comfort 

St  a  lions   \1~ 

III      Bath  L('.a:isl;Uiou  Rt'sardins  Xt'w  York  City  Since  ISOO I',:; 

I  V      IMihlic  Hiitlis  of  Now  York 4." 

\'     Swininnn.i;'    Cluiis    and    llic    Swininiin.u    Bath    as    a    .Moans    of 

Iv(>croation   ") 

\I      'I'lic  Spray  Batli  and  Spi-ay  Batlis  in  tiic  rnl)lic  Schools (il» 

\'I  I      Mnnicipal  Baths  in  Anicnoa 77 

VlII      Municipal  System  of  Foroig-n  Baths 8.1 

I  X     'I'lic  Administration  of  Enro]>oan  Ba.ths 14S 

X      rnl.lic   Laundries 104 

X  I      IMihlic  ( 'omfort  Stations 174 

XII     Kccommondatious  of  tho  ^L-iyor"s  (jommitteo: — 
I'lans  and  Studios  for 

(a)   Ba,th  on  a  Sito  lOOx.'O  fool lOS 

(1)1  rroiMiS(>d  Bath  for  Tomiikins  S(iuarc.  including  a  Munici- 

]ial  Laundry  and  Two  I'ulilic  Comfort  Stuitions 204 

(ci    I'ndor.iiround  Public  Comfort  Stations: 

City  Hall  Park 21?, 

(Jrooley   Square   Park,   Thirty-third   StrtM^t    and  Broad- 
way    217 

.Sufijiostions  for 

(a)  ( "halots  for  tho  Parks 214 

(b)  Stations  T'ndor  tlio  Klovat(>d  Railway  Stairs 21.") 

(c)  Struct\u-cs   ^Vithin   the  Area   IiinK>  and   the  l>e:id   Wall   i>f 

Buildings -'If^ 

XIII      Bibliograi.hy -10 


c 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Proposod  Bath  for  'I'oinpkiiis  y(iua.ro,  N'<'\v  York  City. 

Swinmiing  Pool  in  tlic  Baths  of  Diocletian. 

Hall  iti  tho  Baths  of  Caraoalla. 

I-'ront  of  Proposod  Baths  on  a  Site  100x50. 

Bathroom  on  the  Flwitjiug-  Hospital  of  the  St.  John's  Guild. 

The  "  Ring."  one  fonii  of  the  Spray  or  Shower  Bath  at  the  People's  Baths. 

The  I'eople's  Baths,  9  Centre  Market  Place. 

First-class  Swimming  Pool,  Ilornsey  Road,  Islington,  London. 

Swimming  I'ool  for  Women,  Hornsey  Road,  Islington,  London. 

Amateur  Swimming  Club,  rx)indou. 

Newport,  England,  Swimming  Pool  as  a  Gymnasium. 

Swimming  Pool,  Brookline  Public  Baths. 

First  Floor  Plan,  Brookline  I'ublic  Baths. 

Brookline  Public  Bath. 

Yonkers  Public  Bath. 

Deptford,  England,  Public  Baths,  Washhouses  and  Municipal  Buildings. 

S-horeditoh,  England,  Public  Bathhouse  and  Public  Library. 

Opening  Exercises  of  the  Pul)lie  Baths  at  Essex  Road,  Islington,  London. 

(Jround  Plan  of  Birmingham's  Latesit  Public  Bath. 

Ijauudrj'  Hung  up  to  Dry  in  One-Room  Apartment. 

Household  Effects  of  a  Family  Living  in  One  Room. 

Mangling  Room,  Hornsiey  Road  Laundry,  London. 

Drying  Room,  Hornsey  Road  I.,aundry,  Ix>udon. 

Proposed  Public  Comfort  Station  for  Greeley  Squai'e. 

Underground  Lavatory  (interior).  Charing  Cross,  London. 

Suggested  Public  Comfort  Stations  under  Ww  Klevjiled  Si  airways. 

Suggested  Public  Comfort  Station,  within  area  line. 

Cottage  Baths,  Brighton,  England. 

Proposed  Public  Comfort  Station  for  Parks. 

Plan  of  Basement  Floor  of  Proijosed  Baths,  on  a  site  100x50. 

Plan  of  Ground  Floor  of  Proposod  Baths,  on  a  site  100x50.. 

Plan  of  Upper  Floor  of  Proposod  Baths,  on  a  site  100x50. 

Longitudinal  Section  of  Proposed  Baths,  on  a  site  100x50. 

Cross  Section  of  Proposed  Baths,  on  a  site  100x50. 

Newington.  England,  Public  B.iths  and  Washhouses. 


PREFACE. 


ADVISORY    STATUS. 

The  Mayor's  Coniniittee,  whose  final  report  is  herewith  pre- 
sented, was  appointed  by  his  Honor,  the  Mayor  of  New  York  City, 
Wilham  L.  Strong,  in  July,  1895,  as  an  Advisory  Committee,  to 
continue  the  study  of  the  subject  of  Pubhc  Baths  and  PubHc  Comfort 
Stations,  upon  wliich  it  had  already  reported  to  the  Committee  of 
Seventy  as  its  sub-committee  on  this  special  subject.  This  pre- 
liminary report  had  been  accepted  and  approved  by  that  Committee, 
and  was  published  by 'it  in  pamphlet  form.  In  pursuance  of  this 
study,  as  requested  by  the  Mayor,  the  Committee  became  so  deeply 
impressed  with  the  imperative  necessity  of  an  adecjuate  municipal 
provision  of  I'aths  and  Public  Comfort  Stations  for  New  York  City, 
that  it  collected  the  latest  and  best  information  in  relation  to  these 
matters,  so  that  New  York  might  have  the  latest  system  of  Public 
Baths  and  Public  Comfort  Stations. 

New  York  claims  the  honor  to  have  had  the  first  public  bath 
in  the  United  States  using  the  spray  or  rain  water  system,  for  hot 
and  cold  water,  of^cn  the  year  round.  This  public  bath  was  made 
possible  by  the  New  York  Association  for  Improving  the  Condition 
of  the  Poor,  who  erected  a  bathhouse,  where  a  nominal  fee  of  five 
cents  was  charged  for  its  maintenance. 

SUCCESSPIFL    OIIJECT    LESSON. 

Since  August  17,  1891,  the  People's  Baths,  under  the  care  of 
this  Association,  have  been  a  successful  object,  lesson,  having  fur- 
nished 401,000  baths,  more  than  90  per  cent,  of  which  have  been 
])aid  for  by  those  who  have  used  them.     The  oj)eration  of  a  public 


10  Mayor's  Committke  on  Public  Baths. 

bath,  being  clearly  a  mnnicipal  function,  should  not  be  left  to  the 
care  of  a  private  philanthropy. 

The  Committee  is  deeply  sensible  of  the  interest  which  Mayor 
Strong  has  shown  in  its  work.  The  results  of  two  years'  studv  are 
presented  in  the  accompanying  report,  and  the  Committee  mav  be 
allowed  to  state  that  the  following  plans  and  studies  suggested  and 
formulated  by  the  Committee  have  been  favorably  received: 

1.  The  Board  of  Health  of  the  Health  Department  has  the  honor 
to  have  approved,  August  20,  1895,  a  full  set  of  plans  and  specifica- 
tions for  a  bathhouse,  to  be  built  on  a  city  lot  100  by  50  feet, 

2.  The  same  Board  has  also  approved  one  hundred  Public  Com- 
fort Stations. 

UNDERGROL'XD    PUBLIC    COMFORT    STATIONS. 

3.  General  C.  H.  T.  Collis,  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  has 
likewise  approved  a  full  set  of  plans  and  specifications  for  a  public 
bath,  which  was  intended  to  have  been  located  in  Tompkins  Square. 
He  has  also  approved  two  underground  Public  Comfort  Stations, 
one  to  be  located  in  the  City  Hall  Park,  the  other  in  the  small  park 
in  Greeley  Square. 

4.  The  passage  of  mandatory  legislation,  March  25,  1896, 
appropriated  $200,000  for  buildings  for  Public  Baths  and  Comfort 
Stations.  , 

The  action  of  Mayor  Strong  in  naming  an  Advisory  Committee 
on  Baths  has  been  since  followed  by  the  Honorable  Josiali  Quincy, 
the  Mayor  of  Boston,  and  the  Honorable  Emory  N.  Yard^  the  Mayor 
of  Trenton. 

WORTHY   MEiMORIAL. 

In  the  age  of  Augustus,  the  Roman  who  stood  nearest  the 
Emperor  did  not  consider  it  beneath  his  dignity  to  present  a  public 
bath  to  his  city.  In  these  days,  when  wealth  is  abounding  on  every 
hand,  and  men  and  women  are  desirous  of  leaving  a  worthy  memorial. 


Preface.  11 

f 

what  larger  social  service  could  be  rendered  than  the  erection  and 

equipment  of  a  public  bath?    If  such  a  benefaction  was  honored  in 

the  days  of  Rome,  surely  there  are  merchant  princes  in  our  American 

.    cities  whose  public  spirit  will  make  possible  a  monument  to  the 

lasting  honor  of  their  own  municipality. 

ACKNOAVLEDGMENTS. 

The  Conmiittee  begs  to  acknowledge  the  cordial  co-operation 
of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  Association  for  Improving  the 
Condition  of  the  Poor,  and  would  especially  extend  its  thanks  to  the 
firm  of  Messrs.  Cady,  Berg  &  See,  architects  and  engineers,  for  their 
expert  advice  and  for  the  plans  and  studies. 

It  would  also  express  earnest  acknowledgments  to  the  Mayors 
and  public  ofificials  of  English  and  Continental  cities,  who  have  placed 
at  the  disposal  of  the  Committee  plans,  drawings,  special  reports  and 
expert  advice,  particularly  H.  ]\Iontague  Bates,  Principal  Clerk  to 
the  Commissioners  of  Sewers  of  the  City  of  London ;  Job  Cox,  Super- 
intendent and  Engineer  of  the  Baths  Department,  City  of  Birming- 
ham, and  Chief  Engineer  Andreas  Meyer,  of  Hamburg. 

(Signed.)        WILLIAM  GASTON  HAMILTON, 
MOREAU  MORRIS, 
WILLIAM  HOWE  TOLMAN, 

Committee. 


Report  on  Public  Baths  and  Public  Comfort 

Stations. 


CHAiTJCR  I. 
Introductory. 


FRBE:    PUBiaC    BATHS. 

Hon.  William  L.  Strong,  Mayor,  Nczu  York  City: 

Sir. —  Your  Committee  takes  pleasure  in  submitting  the  accom- 
panying report,  in  accordance  with  your  request  of  June  25,  1895, 
"  to  continue  investigation  regarding  baths  and  lavatories  and  see  if 
some  means  cannot  be  devised  for  erecting  and  trying  at  once  some 
of  the  recommendations  of  the  Sub-Committee  of  the  Committee  of 
Seventy."  It  is  needless  to  mention  the  imperative  necessity  of  a 
sufficient  number  of  free  pul)lic  l)aths  in  a  great  city  like  New  York. 
The  fact  that  there  is  not  a  single  municipal  public  bath  open  the 
year  round  in  New  York  is  significant.  New  York  and  other 
American  cities  are  far  behind  those  of  Europe,  especially  London, 
Birmingham.  Glasgow,  Paris  and  Berlin,  in  the  municipal  provision 
which  is  made  for  the  comfort  and  welfare  of  all  the  component  parts 
of  their  citizenship. 

There  are  numerous  indications  that  American  cities  are  pro- 
ceeding to  take  under  advisement  these  provisions  for  public  comfort, 
and  it  is  particularly  gratifying  to  your  Committee  that  the  movement 
in  many  cases  came  from  the  impulse  which  you  have  given  to  civic 
betterment  in  New  York  City. 

GRKAT  PHILAXTHROPIES. 

This  report  to  your  Honor  may  seem  to  have  been  delayed 
unduly,  indicated  by  the  fact  that  the  press  and  individuals  have  had 
so  much  interest  in  the  subject  of  Baths,  that  they  have  made  specific 
infjuiry  of  you  when  it  would  appear,  but  it  should  be  brought  to 


14 


Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 


your  notice  that  the  subject  entrusted  to  your  Committee  had  to  be 
studied  from  the  very  beginning,  and  the  great  volume  of  information 
was  sought  from  English  and  Continental  cities;  in  other  words, 
outside  of  the  reports  of  baths  made  possible  by  a  few  great  philan- 
thropies, there  was  no  information  to  be  derived  from  the  cities  of 
the  I'uited  States.  Accordingly  your  Committee  put  itself  in  com- 
munication with  Mayors  and  other  offtcials  in  the  capital  cities  of 
England  and  Europe ;  the  courtesy  of  their  replies  and  the  wealth  of 
illustrative  material  sent  it,  has  placed  it  in  a  position  to  present  to 
you  a  digest  of  the  latest,  hence  the  best,  experience  of  the  civilized 
world.  From  a  study  of  this  experience  your  Honor  can  satisfy  him- 
self on  the  soundness  of  the  conclusions  and  recommendations  of 
your  Committee. 

At  this  point  attention  should  be  directed  to  the  following  tabu- 
lation for  the  city  of  London  as  an  evidence  of  the  provisions  of  that 
municipality  in  response  to  popular  demands  for  baths.  It  will  be 
noted  that  this  study  was  made  in  1892,  and  indicates  the  extensive 
provisions  made  for  the  city  of  London  alone. 

Public  Baths  and  Wash  Houses,  1891-2. 


LOCALITY. 


Battersea 

Bentioiulsey 

Bleoinsbury 

Clielsea 

Greenwich 

Hempstead 

Islington 

Kensinfjton 

Lewisham 

Paddington 

Poplar 

Kotherliitlie 

St.  George-in-the-Kast   

St.  George,  Haunver  Sqiiaio 

St.  Giles,  Caiiiberwtili 

•St.  Martiii-in-tlie-fiel(ls 

.St.  Maryleboiie 

St.  Pancras 

St.  Margaret  and  St.  .John  . 

Whitcchapel 

St.  James,  Westminster  ... 

Total 


Cost 
of  water. 


£258 
2(52 
237 


372 

327 
412 
405 
185 
214 
134 
830 

251 
411 
899 
158 
385 
382 


£6,122 


Bathers. 


Not  stated. 
118,368   '92-93 

Not  stated. 

Baths  not  then 

Not  stated. 

93,623 

Baths  not  then 

Not  stated. 

92,045    '92-93 
179,784 

116,738   '93-94 
•  Not  stated. 

74,038 
240,508 

Batlis  not  then 

57,111 
142,607 
117,882 

Not  stated. 
131,6117 
107,257 


Washers. 


Not  stated. 

24,947    '92-93 

Not  stated, 
opened. 

Not  .stated. 

Not  staled, 
opened. 

Not  stated. 

Ni)t  stated. 

19,639 
9,293    '93-94 

N(-t  stated. 

Not  stated. 

44,789 
opened. 

35,340 

38,959 

()6,182 

Not  stated. 

20,563 

49,171 


1,474,718 


308,883 


Introductory 


15 


PAUT  OF  AVISUOiM. 

It  should  be  stated  at  this  point  that  your  Connnittee  means  by 
a  pubHc  bath  an  estabhshment  under  the  control  of  the  municipality, 
where  a  hot  or  cold  bath  may  be  obtained  at  any  time  during  the 
year.  Such  a  public  bath  may  be  free  or  fees  may  be  charged,  the 
latter  practice  obtaining  in  nearly  all  of  the  cities  of  the  world.  If 
the  city  provides  the  plant,  those  using  it  should  pay  for  that  privilege. 
This  is  the  part  of  wisdom,  because  the  idea  of  charity  should  be 
mainly  eliminated  from  a  public  bath,  and  the  operating  expenses 
will  be  nearly  met  by  the  fees.  The  present  law  provides  for  a  free 
public  bath,  but  a  fee  may  be  charged  for  the  use  of  towels  and  soap; 
a  certain  part  of  each  bath,  say  15  or  25  per  cent.,  may  be  absolutely 
free. 

NEW  YORK'S  NEEDS. 

There  are  not  more  than  four  public  baths  under  the  control 
of  cities  in  the  United  States;  but  that  your  Honor  may  realize  that 
the  conditions  are  not  much  worse  in  New  York  than  in  some  of  the 
other  large  municipalities,  and  that  the  needs  are  none  the  less  im- 
perative, an  excerpt  from  the  Seventh  Special  Report  of  the  United 
States  Commissioner  of  Labor  is  submitted. 

"  New  York. —  (i)  Starting  from  the  corner  of  Centre  and  Worth, 
along  Centre  to  Leonard,  along  Leonard  to  Baxter,  along  Baxter  to 
Canal,  along  Canal  to  Centre,  along  Centre  to  Hester,  along  Hester 
to  Mulberry,  along  Mulberry  to  Spring,  along  Spring  to  Elizabeth, 
along  Elizabeth  to  Canal,  along  Canal  to  Bowery,  along  Bowery  to 
Worth,  and  along  Worth  to  Centre. 

"  (2)  Starting  from  the  corner  of  Broome  and  Broadway,  along 
Broadway  to  East  Houston,  along  East  Houston  to  Elizabeth,  along 
Elizabeth  to  Prince,  along  Prince  to  Marion,  along  Marion  to  Spring, 
along  Spring  to  Crosby,  along  Crosby  to  Broome  and  along  Broome 
to  Broadway." 

Population  of  the  Slum  Districts  Canvassed. 


CITY. 

June  1,  1890. 
(Eleventh  Census.) 

April  1,  1893. 

Baltimore 

16,878 
17,637 
27,462 
1.5,409 

18,048 
19,748 
28,996 
17,060 

Cliicacfo 

New  York 

Philadelphia 

Total 

77,386 

83,852 

IG 


Mayou's  Committee  on  Puhlic  Baths. 


Nl'MBKK     AND     PkU     CkXT.     OK     F.V.MII.IKS      .\.M>     I.NUI  \  IDUAI.S     IN     Hoi'.SK.S     OR 

Tknkmknts  Havini;  ano  Nor  Having  Bathrooms. 


Population  of  Houses  or  Tene> 
nients  having  Bathrooms. 

Population  of  Houses  or  Tenements 
not  having  Bathrooms. 

city. 

Number. 

Per  cent. 

Number. 

Per  cent. 

Fami- 
lies. 

Indi- 
viduals. 

Fami- 
lies. 

Indivi- 
duals. 

Fami- 
lie.s. 

Indivi- 
duals. 

Fami- 
lies. 

Indivi- 
duals. 

Baltimore 

Chiciigo 

New  York 

Philadelphia 

296 
110 
138 
560 

1,663 

748 
1,.^88 
3,080 

7.35 

2.83 

2.33 

16.90 

9.21 

3  79 

6.51 

16.05 

3,732      16,385 
3,771  1  19,000 
5,774  1  27,108 
2,753     13,980 

92.65 
97.17 
97.67 
83.10 

90.79 
96.21 
93.49 
81.95 

Number   and    Pkk    Cent,    op   Fa.milies   and    Individuals    in    Housk.s   or 
Tknk.mknts  Havino  VVATKK-ct.oSKis  OR  Priviks. 


Population  of  Houses  or  Tene  - 
ments  having  Water-closets. 

Population  of  Houses  or  Tenements 
having  I'rivies. 

CITY. 

Number. 

Per  cent. 

Number.            '         Percent. 

Fami- 
lies 

Indi- 
viduals. 

Fami- 
lies. 

Indivi- 
duals. 

Fami- 
lies. 

Indivi-        Fami-      Indivi- 
duals,         lies.        duals. 

Baltimore j     486 

Chicago 1,027 

New  York '2,797 

Philadelphia 1,006 

2,637 

5,492 

14,716 

5,473 

12.07    14.61 
26.46    27.81 
47.31    50.75 
30.37    32.08 

3,542 
2,854 
3,115 
2,307 

15,411 
14,256 
14,280 
11,587 

87.93 
73.54 
52.69 
69.63 

85.39 
72.19 
49.25 
67.92 

17    B.VTHUOOMS    FOR    48«»    HOUSES. 

An  additional  investigation,  comprehending  480  honses  in  the 
New  York  shun  (hstricts  canvassed,  was  made  in  order  to  ascertain 
how  many  persons  in  each  Iiouse  were  compelled  to  use  the  same 
bathrooms,  water-closets  and  privies.  ( )iit  of  a  total  of  480  houses 
visited  for  this  ])urpose  in  New  York,  but  17  had  l)athrooms.  The 
average  numl)er  of  ])ers()ns  to  a  l)athro(HU  in  tlie  houses  having 
bathrooms  was  8.14  in  New  York.  The  table  itself  shows  the  details 
for  each  specified  number  "of  jiersons  to  a  ])athroom  in  each  house. 
It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  these  figures  refer  only  to  the  houses 
having  bathrooms,  96.67  ])er  cent,  of  tlie  houses  investigated  in  New 
York  being  entirely  without  such  acconunodations.  The  average 
luunber  of  persons  compelled  to  use  the  same  water-closet  or  privy 


Tne  Swimming  Pool  in  the  Baths  of  Diocletian,  in  Classic  Rome.  In  this 
establshment  3,200  bathers  could  be  accommodated  at  once.  The  proposed 
hcth  at  Tompkins  Square  would  have  accommodated  96  at  one  time.  It  was 
stated,  on  the  authority  of  Pliny,  that  for  600 years  Rome  needed  no  medicine 
but  the  public  baths 


A  Hall  in  the  Baths  of  Caiacalla  (Rome),  A.D.  212.  1,600  bathers  could  be 
accommodated  at  one  time.  One  Hall  in  the  Baths  of  Diocletian  was  made 
by  Michael  Angelo  into  the  Church  of  S.  Maria  de  gli  Angeli. 


Introductory. 


17 


was  10.52  persons  in  Xew  York.  This  average,  although  for  but  a 
small  portion  of  the  slum  district  of  New  York,  is  thought  to  be  fairly 
representative  of  the  whole.    The  table  relating  to  bathrooms  follows : 


NiMitKU  OP  Peusoxs  to  -v  Bathroom. 


3  or  under    4 -.  2 

4  or  under    5  3 

5  or  nniler    6 2 

6  or nndcr    7 3 

7  or  un<ler    8 1 

11  or  uiidtr  12 1 

12  or  under  13 1 


13  or  nnder  14.. 

15  or  under  16. . 

24  tir  under  25. , 

110  or  under  111. 


Total  houses 17 


In  the  480  houses  inspected  in  New  York  91  had  water-closets, 
363  privies,  and  26  both  water-closets  and  privies. 


Nu.MBER  OF  Persons  to  a 

Under  1 3 

1  or  under    2 11 

2  or  under    3 14 

3  or  nnder    4 27 

4  or  under    5 23 

5  or  under    6 26 

6  or  under    7 35 

7  or  under    8 40 

8  or  un<ler    9 37 

9  or  under  10 45 

10  or  under  11 44 

11  or  under  12 35 

12  or  under  13 21 

13  or  under  14 23 

14  or  under  15 18 

15  or  under  Hi 15 

16  or  under  17 5 

17  or  nnder  18 11 


Watek-closet  ok  Piuvv. 

18  or  nnder  19 

19  or  unier  20 

20  or  under  21 

21  or  nnder  22 

22  or  under  23 

24  or  under  25 

27  or  under  28 

28or  under  29 

3ti  or  under  31 

31  or  under  32 

32  or  nnder  33 

34  or  under  35 

41  or  nnder  42 

43  or  under  44 

67  or  under  68 


*  Total  houses . 


480 


FLOTSAM  AND  JETSAM. 

A  system  of  public  baths  is  an  imperative  need,  not  only  as  a 
means  of  healthful  living,  but  also  as.  a  necessity  for  counteracting 
the  unsanitary  conditions  of  the  occupiers  of  the  lodging-houses. 
Public  safety  demands  an  adequate  system  of  public  baths.  The 
majority  of  the  patrons  of  lodging-houses  is  the  lower  classes,  the 
flotsam  and  jetsam  of  a  great  city;  because  they  are  so  low,  they  are 
dirty  and  unclean.  The  tendency  of  the  lodging-house  is  downwards, 
and  the  environment  is  such  as  keeps  a  man  vicious.  Until  the  city 
authorities  insist  on  the  strictest  control  of  the  lodging-houses,  or 

*  Seventh  Special  Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Labor.     The  Slums, 
of  Baltimore,  Chicago,  New  York  and  Philadelphia.     Carroll  D.  Wright, 

Washington.  1894. 

2 


IS 


MaYOU'.S    rOMMITTEE:    ON    PuBLIC    BaTHS. 


build  niunicipal  lodg-ing-houses,  the  patrons  of  many  of  the  present 
lodging-houses  are  a  menace  to  the  sanitary  safety  of  the  community. 
That  your  Honor  may  realize  the  perils  of  the  lodging-houses,  merely 
from  the  sanitary  viewpoint,  because  of  their  inadequate  provisions 
for  the  means  of  a  cleansing  bath,  we  append  the  salient  facts  regard- 
ing the  lodging-houses,  from  a  report  made  to  us  in  December,  1894, 
through  the  courtesy  of  Hon.  Charles  (].  Wilson,  President  of  the 
Health  Department. 


Bathing  Accommodation  Provideo  by  Lodging-houses. 
December  26,  1894. 


Lodgers 

Number  of 

Numbpr  of 

Bath  tubs,  etc., 

Average  use 

Free  or  paid 

allowed. 

bath  tubs. 

showers. 

with  hot  water. 

daily. 

for. 

1 

107 

2 

None. 

Yes. 

20 

Free. 

2 

105 

None. 

u 

None. 

None. 

None. 

3 

168 

(I 

tl 

it 

" 

(< 

4 

150 

1 

(( 

Yes. 

10 

Free. 

5 

319 

3 

(( 

11 

25 

ii 

6 

157 

1 

2 

It 

15 

" 

7 

185 

1 

None. 

" 

10 

t( 

8 

133 

None. 

" 

None. 

None. 

None. 

9 

189 

11 

u 

'' 

'< 

" 

10 

90 

u 

" 

ii 

(( 

(( 

11 

255 

2 

u 

Tubs,  yes. 

5  to  6 

Free. 

12 

180 

2 

li 

" 

12  to  15 

" 

13 

198 

None. 

" 

None. 

None. 

None. 

14 

136 

3 

<t 

Tnbs,  yes. 

6 

Free. 

15 

82 

None. 

It 

None. 

None. 

None. 

16 

270 

.< 

'' 

" 

a 

i< 

17 

150 

2 

(I 

Yes. 

10 

Free. 

18 

195 

2 

" 

<i 

12 

<< 

19 

135 

1 

" 

a 

1 

II 

20 

105 

1 

" 

(( 

2 

li 

21 

105 

None. 

it 

None. 

None. 

None. 

22 

90 

" 

<', 

(1 

<< 

>< 

23 

56 

" 

(( 

li 

<< 

it 

24 

94 

(( 

a 

'< 

(( 

(1 

25 

120 

1 

'' 

Yes. 

5 

Free. 

26 

889 

2 

" 

tt 

7 

II 

27 

210 

2 

" 

a 

15 

II 

28 

20(i 

1 

"■ 

" 

15 

" 

29 

121 

1 

" 

11 

12 

" 

30" 

270 

3 

ti 

IC 

2 

11 

31" 

61 

None. 

" 

None. 

None. 

None. 

32 

126 

1 

"  ■ 

i< 

Paid  lor. 

33 

150 

2 

<f 

Yes. 

12 

Free. 

34 

85 

None. 

i< 

None. 

None. 

Ntmo. 

35 

71 

1 

•' 

Yts. 

10 

Free. 

36 

285 

2 

" 

»< 

25 

" 

37 

75 

None. 

<• 

None. 

None. 

None. 

38 

120 

1 

" 

Yes. 

3 

Free. 

39 

19 » 

N..n.-. 

" 

None. 

None. 

None. 

40 

271 

2 

" 

Tubs,  yes. 

12 

Free. 

♦  Revoked 

Intuoductouy, 


11> 


Bathing  Accommodation  Pkovidkd  uy  Lodgino-Houses— Continued. 
December  26,  1894. 


Lodgers 
allowed. 

Number  of 
bath  liibs. 

Number  of 
showers. 

Bath  tubs,  etc  , 
with  hot  water. 

Average  use 
daily. 

Free  or  paid 
for. 

41 
42 

77 
103 

None. 

(1 

None, 

None, 

None. 

43 

107 

>i 

(< 

,i 

<i 

44 

317 

(( 

<( 

,, 

45 

116 

>' 

<i 

ti 

46 

47 

134 
143 

1 

1 

it 
it 

Yes. 

11 

3 
3 

Free. 

48 

49 

Viioant. 

49 
50 
51 

38 

38 

150 

None. 

1 
1 

ti 
ti 

None. 
Yes. 

None. 
2 
•J 

None. 
Free. 

52 
53 

281 

13? 
146 

None. 

ti 
it 

None. 

ti 

None. 

None. 

54 

55 

4 
2 

n 
li 

Yes, 

20 

6 

4 

9 

None. 

5 

None. 
i< 

Free. 

56 
57 

112 
172 

1 
1 

li 

ti 
It 

11 

58 
59 
60 
61 

133 

176 

17 

147 

None. 
1 

None. 
11 

I  i 
it 
li 
(( 

None. 
Yes, 
None, 

None, 
Free, 
None. 

62 

101 

1 

t( 

Yes, 
None. 
Y»-s. 

ii 

Free, 
None, 
Free, 

63 
64 
65 

292 
180 
143 

None. 

1 
1 

(( 
it 
it 

11 
3  to  .5. 

7 

66 

75 

1  not  in  nse. 

67 
68 
69* 
70 

73 
152 
104 

68 

None. 

2 
None, 

it 
<( 
ti 

None, 
Yes, 

None, 

None. 
7 

None. 

it 

None, 
Vree. 
None, 

71 

145 

i< 

it 

,, 

tt 

72 

62 

li 

a 

11 

73 

74 
75 
76 

77 

202 

103 

89 

95 

220 

1 
None. 

1 
None. 

It 

a 

Yes. 
No:.e, 
Ves, 

None, 

K 

1  a  week. 

None. 

^  3 

None. 

it 

Free, 
None, 

78 

68 

I.' 

(( 

,, 

It 

79 
80 
81 

145 

15 

186 

2 
None. 

<i 
<< 
II 

Yes. 

None. 

2 

None. 
11 

Ifroe.l  pay 
None, 

82 
83 
84 

1J5 
45 

:^05 

7 
None. 

li 
It 
it 

Yes, 

None, 

II 

10 
None. 

6  i 

Free, 
None, 

85 

28 

n 

It 

11 

ii 

86 
87 
88 

143 
30 
30 

(1 
li 
1< 

2 

None. 

ii 

Ye.K. 

None. 

11 

8 

None, 

n 

Free. 
None. 

89 

21 

t( 

It 

11 

it 

" 

90 
91 

116 
139 

1 
1 

It 

ii 

Yes. 

1; 

7 

9 

Free. 

92 

90 

1 

li 

11 

2 

2 

30 

None, 

93 

120 

1 

11 

i< 

" 

94 
95 
96 

75 
113 
167 

1 

None. 
(1 

li 
11 

a 
None. 

None. 

97 

252 

<< 

ii 

,, 

ti 

" 

98 

99 

100 

146 

238 

44 

2 

None. 

2 

u 

Yes. 
None. 
Yes, 

10 

N.M.e. 
30           1 

Free. 
None. 
Free. 

♦ 

Revoked. 

20 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


Bathing  Accommoeatiox  Provided  hy  Lodging-Houses— C'oH/iHufrf. 
December  26,  1894. 


Lodgers 

Number  of 

Number  of 

Bftth  tubs,  etc.. 

Average  use 

Free  or  paid 

allowed. 

bath  tubs. 

showers. 

with  hot  water. 

daily. 

for 

101 

24 

Noue. 

None. 

None. 

None. 

102 

69 

1 

" 

Free. 

103 

24 

None. 

it 

" 

None. 

104 

368 

1 

Yes. 

6 

5c.  cbgd. 

105 

330 

1 

" 

15 

Free. 

106 

100 

Noue. 

7 

n 

60 

<i 

107 

108 

3 

1 

ll 

10 

t< 

108 

32 

1 

None. 

tl 

2 

li 

109 

92 

3 

n 

12 

it 

110 

166 

2 

" 

12 

u 

111 

46 

None. 

None. 

None. 

None. 

112 

68 

(( 

<' 

" 

a 

113 

295 

3 

Yes. 

2 

Free. 

114 

25 

1 

" 

None. 

(( 

115 

142 

Noue. 

Noue. 

ii 

None. 

Total  number  of  lodging  houses  (less  three  revoked) 112 

Total  number  of  lodgers  allowed  in  same 15,233 

Total  number  without  baths  of  any  kind 55 

Total  number  of  lodgers  allowed  in  these 6, 372 

Total  number  of  houses  with  baths 57 

Total  number  of  baths  in  these 95 

Total  number  of  lodgers  allowed  in  these 8, 861 

Total  number  of  baths  with  hot  water 56 

Average  daily  use  of  baths  (total) 546 

Free  baths   54 

Baths  paid  for S 

AVATER  AND  A  TUB. 

That  the  mere  provision  of  water  and  a  tub  is  not  always  a  suffi- 
cient inducement  for  a  cleansing  bath,  is  evidenced  by  the  repHes  of 
some  of  the  patrons  of  the  lodging-houses,  when  asked  their  opinion 
of  the  bathing  accommodations.  These  replies  will  corroborate  the 
recommendations  of  your  Committee  that  the  municipal  baths  should 
have  a  sufficient  number  of  paid  attendants. 

The  following  are  among  the  reasons  given  by  lodging-house 
men  for  not  using  the  baths  in  the  house  where  they  sleep. 

C.  D. — "  The  tubs  can  only  be  used  from  5  a.  m.  to  7  a.  m." 

J.  M. —  "The  shower  baths  are  the  best  for  taking  the  dirt  off  a 
fellow." 

R.  G. —  "The  tubs  are  never  cleaned  out  from  the  apponranco  of 
them." 


Introductory.  21 

T.  W. —  "Can't  get  a  good  wash  without  hot  water," 

W.  B. —  "The  tubs  are  only  an  advertisement  for  the  house,  not 
clean." 

F.  S. —  "Find  too  many  old  medicine  bottles  for  my  taste." 

P.  ^]. — "Not  enough  hot  water." 

J.  L.— "Do  not  like  tub  baths." 

B. —  "Bad  enough  to  sleep  in  a  lodging-house,  without  using 
their  tub  baths." 

WINTER    BATHS.  i 

In  June,  1884,  an  act  was  passed  providing  for  a  commission  to 
inquire  into  the  character  and  condition  of  tenement-houses  in  the 
city  of  New  York.  From  its  careful  study  of  the  existing  condition, 
the  Commission  quickly  reached  the  conclusion  that  free  winter 
baths  were  a  necessity  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  tenement- 
house  quarter.  January  14,  1885,  the  Commission  forwarded  its 
preliminary  report  to  the  Legislature.  Among  other  recommenda- 
tions was  the  following,  which  was  proposed  by  the  Secretary  of 
the  Commission,  Moreau  Morris,  M.  D.: 

"An  Act  (Chapter  448,  Laws  of  1884),  passed  June  2,  1884,  to  pro- 
vide for  a  Commission  to  inquire  into  the  character  and  condition 
of  tenement-houses  in  the  City  of  New  York. 
"  I.  Alexander  Shaler,  Joseph  O.  Drexel,  Oswald  Ottendorfer,  Mor- 
eau Morris,  Anthony  Reichardt,  Joseph  O'Donohue,  Abbott 
Hodgman,  Charles  F.  Wingate  and  William  P.  Easterbrook  are 
hereby  appointed  a  Commission  to  investigate  and  inquire  into 
the  character  and  condition  of  tenement-houses,  lodging-houses 
and  cellars  in  the  City  of  New  York,  etc.,  etc.,  etc. 
""19.  Free  Winter  Baths. — That  the  city  shall  establish  free  winter 
baths  throughout  the  tenement-house  districts  of  the  city."* 
Very  cheap  baths  have  been  recently  established  in  the  poorer 
quarters  of  London  with  great  success.  We  already  have  free  summer 
baths  which  have  proved  a  blessing;  during  three  months  of  1883 
more  than  2,000,000  baths  were  taken  in  those  establishments.    Free 
winter  baths  would  greatly  enhance  the  cleanliness  of  the  tenement- 


*  Copy  from  the  Secretary's  minutes  of  the  Tenement-House  Commis- 


22  Mayor's  Committee  ox  ruBLic  Baths. 

house  population,  would  lessen  the  danger  of  diseases,  and  would  be 
one  safeguard  against  the  spread  of  epidemics. 

During  the  existence  of  the  Sub-Committee  of  the  Committee 
of  Seventy  on  Baths  and  Lavatories,  the  The  Tenement-house  Com- 
mittee of  1894  presented  its  report  to  the  Legislature. 

GILDKR    C03IMITTEE. 

The  Tenement-house  Committee  of  1894,  which  was  appointed 
in  accordance  with  law,  was  organized  under  the  chairmanship  of 
Richard  Watson  Gilder,  and  Edward  Marshall  as  Secretary.  Very 
early  in  its  inquiries,  it  was  confronted  with  the  problem  of  pubHc 
baths.  It  was  the  opinion  of  the  Committee  that  it  is  evident  that 
the  bathing  habit  is  growing  among  the  masses  of  the  people,  and  it 
is  also  evident  that  the  practice  stands  greatly  in  need  of  encourage- 
ment by  means  of  increased  opportunities. 

mo    PRIVACY. 

The  Secretary  reports  that  out  of  a  total  population  of  255,033 
covered  by  the  Committee's  inspection,  only  306  persons  have  access 
to  bathrooms  in  the  houses  in  which  they  live.  The  only  way  in 
which  the  occupants  of  tenement-houses  can  bathe  is  by  using  a  tub 
of  some  kind,  filled  from  the  faucet  in  the  kitchen  or  from  that  in 
the  hall,  or  wath  water  carried  up  from  the  yard.  It  is  apparent  that 
such  conditions  as  these  do  not  encourage  the  practice  of  bathing. 
Nor  is  this  all.  The  number  of  rooms  occupied  by  a  family  in  a 
tenement-house  is  generally  so  small  that  every  inch  of  space  is  occu- 
pied. Even  when  the  occupants  are  willing  to  incur  the  labor  of 
carrying  water  from  the  faucet  in  the  hall  or  from  the  yard,  it  is 
difficult  to  secure  the  privacy  which  is  necessary  for  the  bath. 

It  is  thus  evident  that  though  the  number  of  baths  taken  at 
various  bathing  places  in  the  city  may  be  large  in  the  aggregate,  the 
persons  who  actually  bathe  are  not  numerous,  and  the  great  majority 
of  the  tenement-house  population  is  not  yet  reached. 

MILLIONS    FOR    CHARITY. 

The  freer  use  of  water  by  the  tenement-house  population  would 
aid  them  very  materially  in  their  struggle  for  existence  by  assisting 
the  elimination  from  their  system  of  the  poisons  absorbed  in  the 


Introductouy.  23 

sunless  and  airless  (Iwellin^-s.  That  several  hundred  thousand  i)eople 
in  the  city  have  no  proper  facilities  for  keepinjj;-  their  bodies  clean  is 
a  disgrace  to  the  city  and  to  the  civilization  of  the  nineteenth  century. 
These  facilities  have  been  used  and  are  abundant  in  many  enlightened 
nations,  and  they  are  being  increased  in  every  way  possible.  The 
amount  of  money  annually  spent  in  charity  in  this  city  amounts  to 
millions,  and  the  question  arises  whether  it  be  not  greater  economy 
to  spend  more  for  the  preservation  of  health  and  the  prevention  of 
disease,  because  less  would  then  be  required  for  the  support  and 
care  of  the  sick  and  helpless.  The  cultivation  of  the  habit  of  personal 
cleanliness  has  a  favorable  effect  also  upon  the  character;  tending  to 
self-respect  and  decency  of  life. 

EUROPEAN    MODELS.     . 

The  Committee  believed  it  would  conduce  greatly  to  the  public 
health  if  New  York  should  follow  the  example  of  many  of  the  cities 
of  the  Old  World  and  open  municipal  baths  in  the  crowded  districts. 
It,  therefore,  favored  the  building,  at  the  beginning,  of  at  least  one 
fully  equipped  bathing  establishment  on  the  best  European  models, 
affording  every  kind  of  bath  desirable,  at  moderate  charges.  The 
same  Committee  reviewed  the  work  of  the  Tenement-house  Com- 
mission of  1884  in  the  light  of  original  recommendations,  and  in  com- 
pliance with  them,  the  following  sections  concern  baths  and  the 
Commissioner's  opinion: 

(19)  "That  the  city  establish  free  winter  baths  throughout  the 
tenement-house  districts  of  the  city. 

"  This  recommendation  has  not  been  adopted.  In  the 
opinion  of  this  Committee,  the  matter  of  baths  is  of  great  importance, 
and,  consequently,  this  Committee  unites  in  a  recommendation  that 
bathing  establishments,  at  which  a  small  charge  shall  be  made,  be 
constructed.  The  reasons  for  this  are  set  forth  at  greater  length  in 
another  part  of  this  report." 

LAVATORIES. 

The  Committee  summed  up  its  work  in  twenty-one  definite 
recommendations,  on  which  it  requested  the  modification  of  old  and 
enactment  of  new  laws.  Its  opinion  regarding  public  baths  and 
lavatories  was  positive. 


24  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

15.  "  Municipal  Bathing  Establishments. 

"  That,  in  addition  to  free  floating-  baths  maintained  in  the  sum- 
mer months,  the  city  should  open  in  the  crowded  districts  fully- 
equipped  bathing  establishments,  on  the  best  European  models,  and 
with  moderate  charges. 

BATHING    HABIT. 

"  The  Committee  makes  the  above  recommendation  in  the  inter- 
ests of  the  public  health.  Hundreds  of  thousands  of  our  population 
are  without  sufficient  bathing  facilities,  while  it  is  evident  that  the 
bathing  habit  increases  among  them  in  proportion  to  the  opportunity 
afforded.  The  baths  now  maintained  by  benevolent  organizations  at 
small  charges  are  principally  rain  baths.  The  bathing  habit  abroad 
has  been  greatly  increased  owing  to  the  popularity  of  the  swimming 
baths,  and  it  is  believed  that  municipal  establishments  here  will  be 
more  successful  in  accomplishing  their  purposes  if  swimming  baths 
be  included  in  their  arrangements. 

ORDINARY    CONVENIENCES. 

16.  "  Drinking  Fountains  and  Lavatories. 

"  That  numerous  drinking  fountains  and  sufficient  public  lava- 
tories be  established  in  the  tenement-house  districts.  The  most 
crowded  districts  of  the  city  are  destitute  of  such  ordinary  conven- 
iences; and  the  same  should  be  promptly  provided.  In  foreign  cities, 
as  appeared  in  the  testimony  at  the  public  hearings,  lavatories  of  an 
elaborate  character  have  been  built  with  accommodations  for  which 
moderate  charges  are  made.''"^ 

"ME    OWN    SHANTY." 

The  canvass  of  the  Federation  of  Churches  shows  that  there  are 
only  1,037  bathtubs  for  8,176  families  in  the  Fifteenth  Assembly  Dis- 
trict,*or  i  bathtub  to  7.9  families.  Of  these  baths,  767  are  in  houses 
between  Eighth  and  Ninth  avenues,  in  which  3,334  families  live,  or 
I  to  4.3  families.  Thus,  for  the  4,842  families  west  of  Ninth  avenue, 
the  Federation  discovers  only  270  bathtubs,  or  i  to  17.9  families.  For 
the  3,105  between  Nintli  and  Tenth  avenues,  262,  or  i  to  1 1.9  families. 
For  the  1,737  families  west  of  Tenth  avenue,  it  discovers  but  8,  or 

♦Report  of  the  Toncmeut-Hoiise  Committee,  1895,  pp.  75,  76. 


Introductouy.  25 

I  to  2 1 7. 1  families.  For  the  1,321  from  Tenth  to  Eleventh  avenues,  it 
discovers  3  tubs,  or  i  to  440.3  families.  For  the  416  families  west  of 
Eleventh  avenue,  it  discovers  5  tubs,  or  i  to  83.2  families.  The  tiers 
of  blocks  between  Eighth  and  Tenth  avenues,  and  Eleventh  avenue 
and  the  river,  seem,  strangely  enough,  to  be  the  best  provided.  The 
condition  between  Eighth  and  Tenth  avenues  is  easily  understood; 
but  why  should  there  be  a  higher  average  of  bathtubs  from  Eleventh 
avenue  to  the  river  than  from  Tenth  to  Eleventh  avenues?  It  is 
evident  that  the  people  are  not  satisfied  with  their  proximity  to  the 
river,  and  the  remark  of  an  old  Irishman  to  the  writer  is  probably 
the  true  explanation:  "  Shure  oi  don't  want  to  live  in  those  big 
houses  any  more.  Foightin'  above  yez,  swearin'  below  yez,  drinkin' 
all  round  yez;  and  I  juist  come  over  here  and  got  this  bit  of  a  shanty, 
and,  thank  God,  it's  me  own  now!  It  don't  look  much  outside,  but 
it  kapes  out  tlic  cokl  and  the  rain,  and  I've  got  a  tub  where  I  can  wash 
mesilf  whin  I  want  to,  too."  Between  Eleventh  avenue  and  the  river 
many  houses  are  detached,  and  the  plumbing  is  not  so  great  a  problem 
in  these  smaller  buildings.* 

It  is  safe  to  say  that  the  above  statistics  show  that  there  is  no 
region  of  the  city  in  which  public  baths  and  lavatories  are  more 
urgently  demanded.  If  one  of  the  blocks  above  mention  is  secured 
for  a  park,  public  baths  could  be  easily  attached  thereto,  summer  and 
winter. 

RENT    STATISTICS. 

The  rent  statistics  accumulated  by  the  Federation  have  already 
decided  the  City  and  Suburban  Homes  Company  to  locate  definitely 
upon  the  West  Side  the  first  block  of  model  tenements  which  they 
propose  to  erect.  The  erection  of  these  buildings  cannot  but  benefit 
the  condition  of  the  people  tenanting  the  adjacent  property,  as  rents 
in  the  improved  buildings  will  be  no  higher,  and  the  conveniences  will 
be  much  greater.  There  will  thus  be  good  warrant  for  the  plea  of 
tenants  in  the  poor  homes  to  insist  upon  improvements.  To  meet 
present  needs,  however,  parks,  public  baths,  and  the  enforcement  of 

*The  Federation  of  Churcbes  and  Christian  Worliers  in  New  York 
City.  First  Sociological  Canvass.  Tlie  Fifteenth  Assembly  District, 
N.  Y.,  1896. 


2G 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


all  laws  designed  to  prevent  tenement-house  evils,  are  urgently  neces- 
sary. The  people  of  the  district  living  on  the  West  Side  are  paying, 
proportionately  to  space  occupied,  as  high  a  rent  as  those  living 
between  Eighth  and  Ninth  avenues,  and  their  privileges  are  very 
much  less.  The  rent  statistics  were  not  taken  for  the  entire  district, 
but  the  rent  per  room  in  the  blocks  taken  between  Eighth  and  Ninth 
avenues  is  $52.09  per  year;  between  Ninth  and  Tenth,  $41.73;  be- 
tween Tenth  and  Eleventh,  $29.34,  and  between  Eleventh  and  the 
river,  $38.31.  It  will  be  noticed  that  where  the  rent  is  the  highest 
the  rooms  are  the  most  crowded.  Putting  together  the  statistics  of 
rent  and  baths  per  family,  the  facts  are : 


Rent  per  family 

Percentage  of  families  having  baths. 


8th  to  9th 
avenue. 


$229  20 
23-1 


0th  to  inth 
avenue. 


$158  74 
8.4 


lOth  to  nth 
avenue. 


$101  91 
.23 


11th  to  13th 
aveuue. 


$117  62 
1.2 


Yonkers  is,  to-day,  ahead  of  New  York  City  in  its  public  baths. 


CHAPTER  II. 

The  Mayor's  Committei-:  ox  Puhlic  Baths  and  Public  Com- 
fort Stations. 

representative  citizens. 

In  September,  1894,  in  an  invitation  to  a  representative  body  of 
citizens  to  a  meeting  at  the  Madison  Square  Garden,  it  was  stated 
that  the  meeting  was  called  "  to  consult  as  to  the  wisdom  and  prac- 
ticability of  taking  advantage  of  the  present  state  of  public  feeling, 
to  organize  a  citizens'  movement  for  the  government  of  the  City  of 
New  York,  entirely  outside  of  party  politics  and  solely  in  the  interest 
of  efficiency,  economy,  and  the  public  health,  comfort  and  safety." 
This  meeting,  held  September  6,  1894,  was  the  genesis  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Seventy.  That  the  public  might  know  the  attitude  of  the 
Committee  towards  municipal  matters,  its  principles  were  embodied 
in  a  platform  which  was  issued  broadcast.  This  platform  was  a 
decided  advance,  because  of  its  positive  or  constructive  measures; 
not  merely  was  corruption  to  be  exposed  and  malfeasance  in  office 
to  be  opposed  by  a  reform  administration,  but  certain  definite,  con- 
crete pledges  were  made  to  those  who  should  endorse  the  reform 
movement  at  the  polls.  A  study  of  the  platform  will  indicate  the 
positive  character. 

NON-PARTISAXSHIP. 

"  I.  We  demand  that  the  public  service  of  this  city  be  conducted 
upon  a  strictly  non-partisan  basis;  that  all  subordinate  appointments 
and  promotions  be  based  on  civil  service  examinations,  and  that  all 
examinations,  mental  and  physical,  be  placed  under  the  control  of 
the  Civil  Service  Commission. 

"  2.  We  demand  that  the  quality  of  the  public  schools  be  im- 
proved, their  capacity  enlarged  and  proper  playgrounds  provided, 
so  that  every  child  w^ithin  the  ages  required  by  law  shall  have  admis- 
sion to  the  schools,  the  health  of  the  children  be  protected,  and  all 
such  modern  improvements  be  introduced  as  will  make  our  public 
schools  the  equal  of  those  in  any  other  city  in  the  world. 


28  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

small  parks. 

"  3.  We  insist  that  the  property  already  acquired  by  the  city 
under  the  Small  Park  Act  shall  be  promptly  devoted  to  the  purposes 
of  this  acquisition,  so  that  our  people  in  the  densely  populated  parts 
of  the  city  shall  fully  enjoy  the  benefits  of  such  expenditures. 

"  4.  We  urge  greater  care  and  thoroughness  in  the  enforcement 
of  the  health  laws,  and  demand  the  establishment  of  more  efficient 
safeguards  against  disease. 

"  5.  We  favor  the  establishment  of  adequate  Public  Baths  and 
Lavatories  for  the  promotion  of  cleanliness  and  increased  public 
comfort,  at  appropriate  places  throughout  the  city. 

STREET    CLEANING. 

"  6.  We  demand  the  adoption  of  a  thorough  system  of  street 
cleaning,  which  shall  also  include  proper  disposition  of  the  refuse 
and  garbage,  so  that  our  harbor  may  be  kept  free  from  obstruction 
and  defilement  and  the  neighboring  shores  clear  of  of¥al,  thus  con- 
forming to  the  methods  in  other  great  cities. 

"  7.  We  call  for  increased  rapid  transit  facilities  in  this  city. 

DOCKS. 

"  8.  We  call  for  the  improvement  of  the  docks  and  water  fronts 
of  our  great  maritime  city,  so  that  it  shall  enjoy  the  advantages  to 
which  it  is  entitled  by  its  unique  position  with  its  unrivaled  harbor. 

"  9.  We  heartily  favor  the  separation  of  the  municipal  from  State 
and  national  elections,  and  a  larger  measure  of  home  rule  for  cities." 

ANTE-ELECTION    PLEDGES. 

After  the  election  there  were  those  of  the  Committee  of  Seventy 
who  felt  the  necessity  of  taking  active  measures,  looking  toward  the 
realization  of  the  ante-election  pledges.  Accordingly,  a  resolution 
prevailed  that  a  committee  of  five  should  be  chosen  from  the 
Seventy,  for  the  express  purpose  of  making  effective  its  pledges  to 
the  people  previous  to  the  election,  through  the  organization  of 
sub-committees,  subject  to  the  confirmation  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee of  the  Committee  of  Seventy.  The  Secretary  of  the  Committee 
of  Seventy  was  John  P.  Faure,  whose  well-known  experience  as  the 
Secretary  of  the  St.  John's  Guild,  particularly  in  the  management  of 


Baths  and  Comfort  Siations.  29 

the  I'loating  Hospital,  made  it  appropriate  tliat  he  should  select  the 
Sub-Committee  on  Baths  and  Lavatories.  Mr.  Faure  invited  Wil- 
liam Gaston  Hamilton,  the  Vice-President  of  the  New  York  Asso- 
ciation for  Improving-  the  Condition  of  the  Poor,  and  the  Chairman 
of  the  Department  which  built  the  People's  Baths,  9  Centre  Market 
place;  Moreau  Morris,  Medical  Inspector,  ex-Tenement-house  Com- 
missioner (1884);  James  P.  Archibald,  the  then  Secretary  of  the 
Central  Labor  Union;  David  H.  King,  Jr.,  architect,  and  William 
Howe  Tolman,  the  then  Secretary  of  the  City  Vigilance  League. 
Acceptance  having  been  received  from  all  these  gentlemen,  the  meet- 
ing for  organization  resulted  in  the  election  of  William  Gaston 
Hamilton  as  Chairman  and  William  Howe  Tolman  as  Secretary  of 
a  Sub-Committee  on  Baths  and  Lavatories,  in  accordance  with  this 
plank  in  the  platform  of  the  main  Comrnittee: 

"  We  favor  the  establishment  of  adequate.  Public  Baths  and 
Lavatories  for  the  promotion  of  cleanliness  and  increased  public 
comfort  at  appropriate  places  throughout  the  city." 

CIVIC  AUTHORITIES. 

The  Committee  at  once  put  itself  into  communication  with  the 
civic  authorities  in  the  leading  English  and  American  cities,  in  order 
to  avail  itself  of  the  experience  of  the  last  few  years.  There  was 
very  little  to  be  gained  from  American  experience,  hence  the  Com- 
mittee was  obliged  to  commence  from  the  beginning.  As  the  subject 
entrusted  to  the  care  of  the  Sub-Commitee  was  so  important,  it  was 
decided  to  issue  a  preliminary  report,  in  order  that  the  community 
might  have  material  for  consideration,  looking  towards  the  formation 
of  sound  opinion.    The  Committee,  therefore,  reported  as  follows: 

SUCCESSFUL    ARCHITECTS. 

"  Regarding  Public  Baths  the  Committee  would  recommend: 
"  I.  That  Messrs.  J.  C.  Cady  &  Co.,  the  architects  of  the  People's 
Baths,  which  have  proved  so  eminently  successful,  be  requested  to 
submit  a  plan  for  a  bathhouse,  to  be  built  on  an  ordinary  city  lot, 
25  feet  by  100  feet,  and  to  have  two  stories  suitable  for  at  least  forty 
baths,  twenty  on  each  floor,  in  addition  to  spray  baths  for  children 
in  the  basement.  The  baths  on  the  street  level  to  be  arranged  for 
men ;  those  on  the  second  floor  for  women. 


30  Mayor's  Committei:  on  Public  Baths. 

simplicity. 

"  2.  That  the  spray  or  rain-water  system  of  baths  be  adopted, 
because,  primarily,  there  is  no  waste  of  water;  and,  in  the  second 
place,  the  cost  of  erection  is  very  moderate;  and,  lastly,  it  is  charac- 
terized by  cleanliness  and  simplicity. 

"  3.  Bathhouses  at  a  moderate  cost  should  be  erected  in  close 
proximity  to  those  requiring  them,  rather  than  the  erection  of  two  or 
three  great  bathing  institutions  costing  large  sums  of  money. 

"  4.  That  the  bathhouses  should  contain  proper  and  requisite 
divisions  for  the  use  of  tlie  cleanly  and  of  those  not  clean;  and  that 
each  should  contain  some  system  for  fumigating  clothes  when  neces- 
sary. 

"  5.  That  such  public  schools,  where  it  may  be  practicable, 
should  be  equipped  in  the  basement  with  baths  similar  to  those  in 
the  Hebrew  Sheltering  Guardian  Asylum,  with  requisite  divisions 
for  women.  This  can  be  done  at  a  very  small  outlay,  b'ecause  the 
boilers  already  in  use  for  heating  the  building  will  usually  suffice  to 
heat  the  water  for  an  800-gallon  tank.  There  baths  could  be  used 
by  the  women  during  the  school  hours  and  by  the  school  children 
after  school  hours  and  on  Saturdays,  and  would  in  no  way  interfere 
w^ith  the  usefulness  of  the  school  buildings. 

SITES. 

"  6.  That  the  following  six  sites  for  public  baths  be  chosen: 
*'  (a)  The  vicinity  of  Washington  and  Carlisle  streets. 
"(b)  The  vicinity  of  Chatham  Square. 
"(c)  The  vicinity  of  Essex  Market. 
"  (d)  The  vicinity  of  Tompkins  Square. 
"(e)  The  vicinity   of   Fifty-eighth   street  and   Eleventh 

avenue. 
"(f)  The  vicinity  of  One  Hundred  and  Tenth  street  and 
Second  avenue. 
"  This  number  of  houses  will  give  bathing  facilities  for  hot-water 
baths  for  at  least  15,000  people  daily. 

"  7.  Tiiat  in  the  tenement-house  district,  public  washhouses  be 
opened  in  connection  with  the  baths,  thereby  relieving  many  homes 
of  one  and  two  rooms  of  the  unhcalthv  conditions  of  laundrv  work. 


BatHvS  and  Comfort  Stations.  31 

oi'kkating  expenses. 

"  Regarding  both  Batlis  and  Public  Comfort  Stations  the  Com- 
mittee would  recommend : 

"  I.  That  a  certain  part  of  each  bath  and  station  should  be  free, 
in  order  that  necessitous  cases  may  be  relieved;  for  the  remaining 
part,  a  fee  should  be  charged,  which  sum  will  contribute  toward  the 
operating  expenses,  and  will  enable  the  patrons  of  the  establishment 
to  retain  their  self-respect. 

"  2.  That  the  baths  and  water-closets  shall  be  in  charge  of  a 
sufficient  number  of  paid  attendants. 

"3.  That  the  baths  and  water-closets  should  be  under  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Health  Department,  under  a  department  to  be  known 
as  the  '  Bureau  of  Public  Comfort.'  " 

This  report*  was  received  by  the  Committee  of  Seventy,  who 
ordered  an  edition  of  2,500,  and  entered  a  formal  minute  exprftsive 
of  its  appreciation  of  this  careful  study. 

• 

MAYOR    INFORMED. 

On  the  formal  disbandment  of  the  Committee  of  Seventy,  the 
existence  of  the  sub-committee  likewise  came  to  an  end.  The  gen- 
tlemen who  had  been  associated  on  the  Sub-Committee  of  Baths  and 
Lavatories  had  given  the  matter  such  careful  thought  and  had  become 
so  deeply  impressed  with  the  imperative  need  of  these  necessities  and 
conveniences  for  the  city,  that  it  was  decided  to  inform  the  Mayor 
of  the  studies  of  the  Committee  up  to  that  date  and  place  them  at  his 
disposal,  in  order  that  the  city  might  have  the  advantage  of  them. 

When  this  action  was  taken,  the  following  communication  was 
received : 

City  of  New  York,  \ 

Office  of  the  Mayor,  June  25,  1895.  ) 

William  Howe  Tolmax,   Esq.,  Ph.   D.,  427  West  Fifty-seventh 
street,  New  York  City: 

Dear  Sir. —  The  Mayor  directs  me  to  ask  you  if  you  cannot  call 
together  the  members  of  the  Sub-Committee  of  the  late  Committee 
of  Seventy  on  Baths  and  Lavatories,  to  wit:    Mr.  Archibald,  Dr. 


♦Copies  of  tins  preliminary  report  may  be  obtained  of  "Wm.  H.  Tolman, 
PIi.  D.,  Secretary,  105  East  Twenty-second  street,  New  York  City. 


32  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

Moreaii  ^Morris  and  IMr.  Hamilton,  if  he  is  not  now  in  Europe,  with 
a  view  to  continuing-  investigations  regarding  baths  and  lavatories, 
and  to  see  if  some  means  cannot  be  devised  for  erecting  and  trying 
at  once  some  of  the  recommendations  of  that  Committee. 

Very  respectfully, 
(Signed.)        JOB  E.  HEDGES. 

Hb:-OKCjrA.MZATIUI¥. 

This  request  was  complied  with,  on  account  of  the  evidence  of 
the  Mayor's  interest  in  the  scope  of  the  Committee's  work,  and  his 
recognition  of  its  services  in  behalf  of  the  city.  A  reorganization  of 
the  Sub-Committee  resulted  in  the  choice  of  William  Gaston  Ham- 
ilton, Chairman;  Moreau  Morris,  Vice-Chairman,  and  William  Howe 
Tolman,  Secretary,  under  the  title,  suggested  by  the  Mayor, 
"  Ma^-or's  Committee  on  Baths  and  Comfort  Stations." 


Bath  Room  on  the  Floating  Hospital  of  the  St.  John's  Guild.  8.514 
baths  given  during  the  sumnner  of  1896.  The  bath  room  is  not  opened  till 
the  barge  is  in  the  pure  water  of  the  Lower  Bay. 


The  "  Ring,"  one  forr.i  of  tne 
spray  or  shower  bath,  at  the  People's 
Bati. 


The  People's  Baths,  9  Centre 
Market  Place,  under  the  care  of  the 
New  York  Associat'on  for  Improving 
the  Condition  of  the  Poor. 


"Amateur"  Swimming  Club  (London).  This  club,  as  well  as  several 
others,  uses  the  Fitzroy  Baths,  St.  Pancras.  The  recreative  features  of  the 
swimming  club  need  no  comment. 


The  Newport  (England)  Swimming  Pool,  floored  over  in  tlie  winter  and 
used  as  a  gymnasium  and  room  for  tennis,  thus  emphasizing  the  recreative 
features  of  the  establishment. 


U^J'VERSITY 


CHAPTER  III. 

Bath  Legislation  Regarding  New  York  City  Since  1800. 

civic  renaissance. 

In  a  summary  of  the  legislation  regarding  baths  in  New  York 
City,  it  should  be  stated  that  the  conditions  are  not  peculiar  to  that 
municipality  alone,  because  the  provision  of  free  public  baths,  with  hot 
and  cold  water,  open  the  year  round,  has  not  been  deemed  imperative 
by  our  American  municipalities,  but  the  subject  has  been  forcing  itself 
to  the  front  in  recent  months.  This  has  been  in  response  to  what  may 
be  called  the  new  social  spirit  or  the  civic  renaissance,  whereby  the 
claims  of  life  are  given  precedence  over  those  of  property;  in  accord 
with  the  idea  that  our  cities  must  be  more  of  a  home  for  all  the 
members  of  the  body  politic.  One  essential  of  the  ideal  home  is  a 
bathroom. 

PRIVATE    ENTERPRISE  — AHEAD    OP   THE    TIMES. 

While  the  English  Baths  and  Washhouses  Act  dates  from  1846, 
it  was  not  until  1849  ^^at  any  provision  was  made  by  law  in  this 
State  for  public  baths.  The  difiference  between  English  and  Amer- 
ican conditions  is  illustrated  by  the  fact  that  while  in  England  the 
municipality  was  to  undertake  to  provide  public  baths,  in  New  York 
it  was  left  to  private  enterprise.  An  act  (chap.  409)  was  passed  on 
April  II,  1849,  by  which  an  association  was  incorporated,  under  the 
name  of  the  People's  Bathing  and  Washing  Association,  "  for  the 
purpose  of  supplying  facilities  to  the  people  of  the  City  of  New  York 
in  regard  to  bathing  and  washing."  Power  was  given  to  erect  build- 
ings and  fix  a  scale  of  charges,  and  the  corporation  was  permitted  to 
hold  property  to  the  value  of  $20,000.  The  capital  stock  was  not  to 
exceed  $20,000,  in  shares  of  $100  each,  and  the  act  was  to  continue 
in  force  twenty-one  years.  The  Association  was  composed  of  man- 
agers of  the  New  York  Association  for  Improving  the  Condition  of 
the  Poor.  A  building  was  put  up  on  Mott  street  at  an  expense  of 
$42,000,  the  law  being  amended  in  1853  to  permit  the  Association  to 
3 


34  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

hold  property  to  the  value  of  $42,000,  and  the  capital  stock  was 
increased  to  $30,000.  The  institution  combined  every  convenience 
for  bathing,  washing  and  ironing  at  charges  so  low  as  to  bring  its 
benefits  within  the  reach  of  all,  and  it  was  hoped  that  it  would  be  so 
appreciated  as  greatly  to  contribute  to  the  health,  comfort  and  clean- 
liness of  the  classes  for  whom  it  was- designed.  Being  the  first  of  the 
kind  erected  in  the  country  the  enterprise  was  an  experiment.  An 
average  of  about  75,000  persons  yearly  availed  themselves  of  its  ad- 
vantages. A  few  years'  experience,  however,  showed  that  the  enter- 
prise was  too  far  in  advance  of  the  habits  of  the  people  whose 
advantage  was  sought  to  be  appreciated  by  them,  and  hence  it  failed 
through  insufificient  patronage. 

May  9,  1867,  an  act  (chap.  842)  was  passed  to  incorporate  "  The 
Metropolitan  Bathing  Association  in  the  City  of  New  York." 

The  Association  was  authorized  to  build  and  construct  bathing- 
houses  or  floating  baths  in  the  City  of  New  York  in  the  East  river, 
North  river  and  Harlem  river,  so  as  to  provide  public  baths.  It 
could  prescribe  rates  not  to  exceed  twenty-five  cents  for  each  person 
for  each  bath.  The  capital  was  to  be  $100,000,  in  shares  of  $100,  but 
might  be  increased  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  shareholders  to 
$500,000.  The  Association  could  purchase,  lease,  take  and  hold  real 
estate  necessary  for  its  use  fronting  on  rivers  and  erect  either  floating 
baths  or  brick  or  stone  buildings,  the  latter  to  conform  to  the  building 
laws  of  New  York  City. 

PLEADING   FOR   BATHS. 

The  Board  of  Health  in  its  annual  report  for  1866  pleaded  for  the 
establishment  of  free  public  baths  and  washhouses  as  a  sanitary 
measure.  It  said  that  "  the  fact  that  the  bath  and  washhouse  which 
the  generous  and  practical  philanthropy  of  the  late  Mr.  Robert  B. 
Minturn  and  his  associates  established  did  not  become  a  remunerative 
enterprise  need  not  deter  the  public  from  organizing  and  maintaining 
such  sanitary  establishments.  The  only  question  is  '  Can  a  system 
of  public  baths  be  so  administered  as  to  insure  the  attainment  of  their 
object,  viz.,  to  bathe  the  people'who  most  need  to  bathe,  and  at  the 
same  time  not  incur  an  unwarrantable  expense  to  the  municipal 
government? '  " 


Bath  Legislation'  Since  1800.  35 

floating  datus. 

In  1868  (chap.  879)  the  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Commonalty  of 
New  York  City  were  authorized  and  empowered  to  retain  a  slip  or 
basin  not  exceeding  two  hundred  feet  in  front  at  tiie  easterly  end  of 
the  Battery,  in  New  York,  adjoining  the  United  States  property  on 
the  westerly  side,  and  to  lease  it  for  a  public  salt  water  floating  bath. 
They  were  also  authorized  and  directed  to  erect  two  free  floating 
baths,  one  on  the  East  river,  and  one  on  the  Hudson  river,  and  to 
provide  tiie  requisite  attendance  therefor.  These  baths  were  to  be 
free  and  the  Common  Council  was  to  prescribe  the  regulations. 

MELANCHOliY   CONTRAST— SATIRE. 

Two  floating  baths,  the  first  in  the  city,  were  erected  in  1870 
in  compliance  with  the  requirements  of  this  act.  The  Board  of 
Health  reported  that  the  universal  patronage  received  and  the 
approval  met  with  on  every  hand  warranted  the  hope  that  the 
city  would  ere  long  afiford  proper  facilities  for  all  who  desired 
to  observe  that  most  essential  of  hygienic  laws  —  to  keep 
cleansed.  In  1871  attention  was  called  to  the  necessity  for 
some  easily  managed  form  of  bathroom  in  each  tenement-house 
which  would  render  unnecessary  the  resort  to  the  free  baths 
upon  the  riverside,  and  provide  a  much  cleaner  and  less  dangerous 
means  of  purifying  the  body  than  the  necessity  of  bathing  in  the 
sewer-polluted  rivers.  It  was  said  that  the  utility  of  the  baths  as  a 
sanitary  measure  was  more  than  questionable.  The  water  should  be 
taken  from  the  center  of  the  rivers  by  mechanical  means  or  from  the 
Croton  supply,  so  that  no  sewer  impurities  would  be  in  the  least  in- 
termixed. But  the  Board  of  Health  recommended  warm  baths  as 
a  means  of  reducing  the  death  rate  and  said:  "  What  a  melancholy 
contrast  to  such  enlightened  public  zeal  (as  Rome  showed  by  its 
numerous  public  baths)  in  behalf  of  the  health  of  its  people  does 
New  York  present?  Surrounded  by  water  which  can  be  readily 
utilized,  with  a  population  half  of  which  at  least  never  bathe  for 
want  of  facilities,  this  city  has  but  two  public  baths."  It  was  no 
argument  that  there  was  no  popular  appreciation  of  public  baths, 
for  Boston's  were  well  patronized.  Baths  should  not  be  confined 
to  the  river  front,  but  should  be  distributed  over  the  entire  city,  with 


30  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

suitable  isolation  for  the  sexes.  In  1872  it  was  admitted  that 
grave  objection  had  been  made  to  the  baths,  but  it  was  thought  that 
the  responsibility  lay  with  the  location  of  the  bath  or  the  imprudence 
of  the  frequenters.  In  1873  Sanitary  Inspector  Stuyvesant  F.  Morris 
could  not  say  the  public  baths  were  more  used,  because  that  was 
impossible.  He  said:  "What  a  satire  it  is  upon  this  city  with  its 
million  of  inhabitants  that  there  are  but  two  small  public  baths. 
Still,  as  this  seems  to  be  the  era  of  reform,  retrenchment  is  of  far 
more  importance  than  cleanliness  and  health.  So  the  great  unwashed 
must  remain  unwashed,  to  the  great  detriment  of  their  heatlh,  and 
consequently  that  of  the  city."  In  the  same  report  Sanitary  Inspector 
J.  D.  Bryant  urged  that  the  number  of  public  baths  should  be  largely 
increased  in  all  parts  of  the  city. 

As  a  result  of  this,  in  1874,  four  more  floating  baths  were  author- 
ized by  law,  and  it  was  ordered  that  they  should  be  under  the 
exclusive  control  and  management  of  the  Department  of  Public 
Works.  A  sum  of  money  not  exceeding  $80,000  was  to  be  raised 
by  bonds  payable  in  1875,  and  the  Department  of  Docks  was  to  assign 
convenient  locations.  1 

The  Board  of  Health  report  dated  January  i,  1876,  called  atten- 
tion to  the  necessity  for  a  large  increase  in  the  number  of  baths,  the 
importance  of  which  could  not  be  overestimated. 

Chapter  169,  Laws  of  1876,  passed  April  22,  repeated  the  law  of 
1874,  except  that  the  expenditure  was  not  to  exceed  $60,000  and  the 
bonds  were  to  be  paid  from  the  taxes  for  1877. 

During  the  following  summer  these  four  additional  floating 
baths  were  placed.  In  the  same  year  (chap.  46)  Brooklyn  was  au- 
thorized to  build  two  or  more  public  baths,  on  which  $25,000  might 
be  expended.  This  sum  was  to  be  raised  by  bonds  payable  in  1877, 
and  bearing  interest  at  the  rate  of  7  per  cent.  The  annual  allowance 
for  maintenance  was  placed  at  $3,000. 

MORE    BATHS. 

In  1879  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  was  authorized  to 
construct  an  additional  Free  Floating  Bath  at  a  cost  not  exceeding 
that  of  one  of  the  baths  already  in  existence.  This  bath  was  to  be 
located  during  the  summer  at  Seventeenth  street  and  the  East  river. 


Bath  Legislation  Since  1800.  37 

During  1879  the  Department  of  Public  Works  erected  two  more 
baths. 

In  1881  an  adcHtional  Free  Floating  Bath  was  authorized,  to  be 
located  in  the  Fifth  ward. 

In  1882  the  laws  relating  to  public  needs  in  the  City  of  New 
York  were  consolidated,  and  the  acts  already  mentioned  were  sum- 
marized in  section  346,  chapter  410.  This  provided  for  nine  Free 
Floating  Baths,  one  of  which  should  be  located  on  the  East  river,  one 
on  the  Hudson  river,  one  at  Seventeenth  street  and  the  East  river, 
one  in  the  Fifth  Ward,  and  the  remainder  at  places  designated  by  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Works.  In  the  summer  following,  one  more 
bath  was  erected,  making  a  total  of  nine,  the  limit  provided  for  by 
the  law. 

PUBLIC    NEEDS. 

In  1883  an  act  was  passed  providing  for  four  new  floating  baths 
at  such  expense  as  should  be  necessary.  When  these  baths  were 
ready  for  use,  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  was  to  sell  two  of 
the  older  Free  Floating  baths,  the  proceeds  to  go  to  the  general  fund. 
The  new  baths  were  to  be  located  at  available  places.  These  new 
baths  were  built  during  the  following  summer. 

In  1888  two  acts  providing  for  new  baths  were  passed.  The 
first  bath,  the  cost  of  which  was  not  to  exceed  that  of  one  of  the 
present  baths,  was  to  be  opened  by  August  ist,  and  to  be  located  in 
the  East  river  between  Fifty-ninth  and  Seventy-ninth  streets,  and 
the  other  bath  was  to  be  located  on  the  Hudson  between  One  Hun- 
dred and  Twenty-eighth  and  One  Hundred  and  Thirtieth  streets, 
and  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  might  expend  on  it  such 
amount  as  was  necessary.  Two  more  baths  were  built  and  placed- 
during  the  summer,  making  fifteen,  the  number  now  in  use. 

In  1889  an  act  amending  section  346  of  the  Consolidation  Act  of 
1882  was  passed,  which  provided  that  from  that  date  the  Board  of 
Estimate  and  Apportionment  should  determine  on  the  number  of 
baths  necessary  for  the  city,  and  make  appropriation  for  them.  The 
Commissioner  of  Public  Works  should  then  cause  them  to  be  con- 
structed. Up  to  the  present  time  no  advantage  has  been  taken  of  this 
act,  and  the  number  remains  the  same  as  in  1888. 


3S  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

BATHHOUSE    COMMISSIONERS. 

The  first  provision  for  municipal  baths,  such  as  had  existed  in 
England  since  1850,  was  made  in  1889.  Chapter  452  provided  for  a 
Board  of  Commissioners,  to  be  known  as  the  Municipal  Bathhouse 
Commissioners,  and  to  be  composed  of  the  Mayor  of  the  city,  the 
Recorder,  the  President  of  the  Department  of  Charities  and  Correc- 
tions and  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works.  On  the  authority  of 
the  Board  of  Estimate  and  Apportionment  these  Commissioners  were 
to  provide  plans  and  specifications  for  public  bathhouses,  containing 
hot  and  cold  water  baths,  adapted  to  the  dififerent  seasons  of  the  year, 
and  to  be  situated  in  the  Second  Assembly  District.  Plans  were  to 
be  offered  for  competition  at  such  premium  as  the  Commissioners 
should  see  fit.  The  whole  expense  of  erecting,  furnishing  and- equip- 
ping these  baths  was  not  to  exceed  $75,000.  The  Department  of 
Public  Works  was  to  have  exclusive  control  and  power  and  the  Board 
of  Estimate  and  Apportionment  was  to  provide  annually  for  their 
Maintenance.  The  baths  were  to  be  opened  for  men  one  day,  and 
for  women  alternate  days.  No  charge  was  to  be  made  for  the  use 
of  the  baths,  and  towels  or  other  drying  facilities  were  to  be  provided 
free. 

No  attempt  was  made  to  carry  out  the  provisions  of  this  act,  as 
there  was  no  special  interest  in  the  matter  on  the  part  of  the  city 
authorities. 

PERMISSIVE    LEGISLATION. 

During  the  same  year  the  State  Commission  in  Lunacy  was 
appointed.  At  that  time  over  two  thousand  of  the  insane  in  the  State, 
exclusive  of  the  counties  of  New  York  and  Kings,  were  in  the  poor- 
houses  of  the  various  counties.  The  Commissioners  discovered  one 
condition  peculiarly  revolting,  namely  the  bathing  of  several  pa- 
tients—  sometimes  as  many  as  five  or  six  —  in  the  same  tub  of 
water.  A  keeper  of  one  of  these  places,  in  response  to  some  inquiry, 
stated  that  they  always  took  care  to  bathe  those  with  skin  diseases 
last.  The  insane  as  a  class  are  sick  people;  moreover,  vast  numbers 
of  them  exercise  little  or  no  control  over  their  bodily  functions.  The 
merest  hint  on  this  subject  will  suffice  to  indicate  the  horrors  and 
indignities  practiced  upon  this  unfortunate  class,  and  to  show  the 


Bath  Legislation  Since  1800.  39 

necessity  for  some  other  method  of  bathing  than  the  antiquated  tub 
method  which  at  that  time  prevailed. 

While  the  Commissioners  found  no  abuses  of  this  character  in 
the  State  hospitals  —  care  being  taken  to  change  the  water  for  each 
person,  Commissioner  Goodwin  Brown  received  the  impression  that 
the  tub  system  of  bathing  was  radically  wrong  and  should  be  abol- 
ished for  some  system  which  would  insure  at  all  times  and  under  all 
circumstances  clean  and  abundant  water. 

Fortunately,  in  1891,  Mr.  Brown's  attention  was  attracted  to  the 
rain  or  spray  system  of  bathing  which  had  been  adopted  in  the 
soldiers'  barracks  in  Berlin.  On  September  30th  and  October  ist, 
under  his  personal  supervision,  the  first  experiments  with  this  system 
of  bathing  the  insane  were  conducted  at  Willard  State  Hospital,  and 
w^ere  so  successful  that  the  system  is  now  general  throughout  the 
State  hospital  system  for  the  insane. 

Mr.  Brown  became  so  thoroughly  impressed  and  imbued  with 
the  subject  of  providing  adequate  facilities  for  the  insane  that  he  was 
naturally  and  inevitably  led  to  the  consideration  of  the  advisability  of 
procuring  the  establishment  of  public  baths  in  the  principal  cities  of 
the  State.  Early  in  1892  he  procured  the  passage  of  a  mandatory 
act  on  the  subject,  but  it  failed  to  meet  the  approval  of  the  Governor's 
counsel,  on  the  ground  that  it  was  mandatory  in  its  provisions  and 
interfered  with  the  principle  of  so-called  home  rule.  The  bill  was 
withdrawn,  the  mandatory  provisions  were  stricken  out,  and  it  was 
repassed  as  a  permissive  act,  being  chapter  473  of  the  Laws  of  1892, 
giving  any  city,  village  or  town  the  power  to  establish  free  public 
baths  and  to  loan  its  credit  or  make  appropriations  from  its  funds  for 
that  purpose. 

When  Governor  Morton  took  Governor  Flower's  chair,  a  man- 
datory act  was  prepared  by  Mr.  Brown  and  introduced  by  the  Hon. 
George  W.  Hamilton,  a  Member  of  the  Assembly  from  New  York 
City,  to  whose  tact,  discretion,  zeal  and  good  sense  the  passage  of  the 
bill  was  largely  due.  The  law  is  chapter  351  of  the  Laws  of  1895  and 
reads  as  follows : 

"  Section  i.  All  cities  of  the  first  and  second  class  shall  establish 
and  maintain  such  number  of  free  public  baths  as  the  local  Board 


40  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

of  Health  may  deem  to  be  necessary.  Each  bath  shall  be  kept  open 
not  less  than  fourteen  hours  for  each  day  and  both  hot  and  cold 
water  shall  be  provided.  The  erection  and  maintenance  of  ocean  or 
river  baths  shall  not  be  deemed  a  compliance  with  this  section.  Any 
city,  village  or  town  having  less  than  fifty  thousand  inhabitants  may 
establish  and  maintain  free  public  baths,  and  any  city,  village  or 
town  may  loan  its  credit  or  may  appropriate  of  its  funds  for  the 
purpose  of  establishing  such  free  public  baths." 

In  his  efforts  to  secure  this  legislation,  Mr.  Brown  was  unable 
to  obtain  the  co-operation  or  assistance  of  a  single  local  Board  of 
Health  in  the  principal  cities  of  the  State.  An  appeal  was  made  in 
1892  to  a  prominent  member  of  the  Health  Board  in  New  York  City 
for  assistance,  but  it  was  not  given.  In  1895  requests  were  sent  to 
the  local  Boards  of  Health  in  all  the  cities  of  the  first  and  second 
class,  but  no  member  of  these  boards  in  the  cities  of  New  York  and 
Brooklyn  took  the  slightest  interest  for  or  against  the  matter,  while 
the  local  Board  of  Health  of  the  city  of  Syracuse  contented  itself  by 
filing  a  general  remonstrance  against  such  legislation. 

To  Goodwin  Brown  must  be  given  the  sole  and  exclusive 
credit  for  the  first  general  legislation  on  this  subject  ever  had  in  any 
State  in  the  Union.  He  secured  not  only  permissive  legislation  in  1892, 
but  mandatory  legislation  in  1895;  in  both  instances  without  the  aid  or 
support  of  health  anthorities.  Moreover,  the  legislation  he  secured  was 
unique  in  this,  that  it  provided  that  the  baths  in  all  instances  should  be  abso- 
lutely free.  This  legislation  was  based  on  the  broad  ground  that  it 
was  an  aid  to  the  improvement  of  the  public  health  and  to  sanitary 
reform.  As  pointed  out  above,  his  experience  in  dealing  with  the 
particular  class  of  unfortunates,  namely,  the  insane,  for  a  period  of 
many  years  led  him  to  see  the  wisdom  of  such  legislation.  This 
legislation  must  and  will  be  considered  the  foundation  stone  of  this 
great  reform  in  this  country.  At  the  time  of  the  writing  of  this 
report,  this  legislation  has  led  to  practical  results  in  the  establishment 
of  the  first  Free  Public  Bath  under  the  terms  of  its  provisions,  in  the 
city  which  was  his  home  for  a  number  of  years. 


Bath  Legislation  Since  1800.  41 

The  present  Committee,  on  taking  up  the  matter  of  public  baths, 
decided  that  further  legislative  authority  was  necessary.  On  April 
i8,  1895,  however,  the  mandatory  act  prepared  by  Mr,  Brown  became 
a  law,  and  thus  it  became  possible  to  proceed  with  this  much  needed 
reform. 

In  the  last  session  of  the  Legislature  the  following  law  was 
passed: 

CHAPTER  122. 

AN  ACT  to  provide  for  the  construction  in  the  City  of  New  York 

of  certain  buildings  for  the  promotion  of  public  health  and 

comfort. 

(Accepted  by  the  city.) 

Became  a  law  March  25,  1896,  with  the  approval  of  the  Governor.    Passed, 
three-fifths  being  present 

The  People  of  the  State  of  New  York,  represented  in  Senate  and 
Assembly,  do  enact  as  follozus: 

Section  i.  The  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  in  the  City  of  New 
York,  with  the  consent  and  approval  of  the  Board  of  Estimate  and 
Apportionment  of  said  city,  expressed  as  hereinafter  provided,  is 
hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  erect  such  and  so  many  build- 
ings for  Free  Public  Baths  and  such  and  so  many  structures  for  the 
promotion  of  public  comfort  within  said  City  of  New  York  as  in 
the  opinion  of  said  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  and  of  said  Board 
of  Estimate  and  Apportionment  shall  be  necessary  and  proper. 

SANCTION    OF    THE    BOARD. 

§  2.  Before  proceeding  to  erect  or  construct  any  building  or  struc- 
ture as  authorized  by  the  last  preceding  section  the  said  Commis- 
sioner of  Public  Works  may,  from  time  to  time,  present  to  the  said 
Board  of  Estimate  and  Apportionment  a  statement  of  any  work 
proposed  to  be  done,  wath  plans  and  specifications  therefor,  and  an 
estimate  of  the  proximate  probable  cost  therefor,  whereupon  the 
said  Board  of  Estimate  and  Apportionment  may,  by  resolution,  au- 
thorize said  work  to  be  done  wholly  or  in  part,  and  may  approve  of 
the  plans  and  specifications  therefor,  or  may  return  the  same  to  said 
Commissioner  of  Public  Works  for  modification  or  alteration,  where- 


42  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

upon  said  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  shall  resubmit  said  plans 
and  specifications,  and  after  having  modified  or  altered  the  same 
shall  again  submit  them  to  said  IJoard  of  Estimate  and  Apportion- 
ment, who  may  then  approve  the  same  or  again  return  them  to  the 
said  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  for  further  modification  or  alter- 
ation, and"  said  plans  and  specifications  may  be  so  returned  to  said 
Commissioner  of  Public  Works  and  resubmitted  to  said  Board  of 
Estimate  and  Apportionment  until  the  said  Board  of  Estimate  and 
Apportionment  shall,  by  resolution,  approve  said  plans  and  specifica- 
tions and  authorize  the  work  to  be  proceeded  with  accordingly. 

:  PLBL.IC    LETTING. 

§  3.  When  any  work  provided  for  by  this  act  shall  have  been 
authorized  and  the  plans  and  specifications  therefor  approved  by  the 
Board  of  Estimate  and  Apportionment,  the  said  Commissioner  of 
Public  Works  shall  proceed  to  execute  and  carry  out  said  work, 
which  shall  be  done  by  contract,  made  at  public  letting  to  the  lowest 
bidder,  pursuant  to  the  general  provisions  of  law  and  ordinances 
regulating  the  letting,  execution  and  performance  of  public  contracts 
in  the  City  of  New  York.  The  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  with 
the  approval  of  the  Board  of  Estimate  and  Apportionment  first  had 
and  obtained,  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered,  with  the  consent 
in  writing  of  the  contractor  and  his  sureties,  to  alter  any  plans,  and 
the  terms  and  specifications  of  any  contract  entered  into  by  authority 
of  this  act,  provided  that  such  alteration  shall  in  no  case  involve  or 
require  an  increased  expense  greater  than  five  per  centum  of  the 
whole  expenditure  provided  for  in  said  contract. 

BATHS    IN    PARKS. 

§  4.  The  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  is  authorized  and  em- 
powered, with  the  consent  and  approval  of  the  Board  of  Estimate 
and  Apportionment,  to  locate  any  or  all  of  the  structures  for  the  pro- 
motion of  public  comfort  to  be  erected  under  the  authority  of  this 
act  to  be  so  erected  in  any  public  park  of  the  City  of  New  York,  and 
for  that  purpose  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Parks  shall  permit  the 
said  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  his  officers  and  agents  and  the 
contractors  to  enter  upon  said  park  or  parks  and  therein  to  perform 


Bath  Legislation  Since  ISUO.  43 

the  work  so  authorized.  Any  such  structure  which  may  be  erected 
in  any  pubHc  park  of  said  city  shall,  after  its  erection  and  completion, 
be  under  the  care,  custody  and  control  of  the  Department  of  Public 
Parks  in  said  city,  who  are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to 
make  proper  and  necessary  rules  for  the  use  and  management  thereof. 

PLANS. 

§  5.  For  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  work  authorized  by  this 
act,  including  compensation  of  any  architect  or  architects  employed 
by  said  Commissioner  of  Public  Works  to  prepare  plans  and  specifi- 
cations and  to  supervise  the  work  done  thereunder,  and  of  any 
architect  employed  by  the  Board  of  Estimate  and  Apportionment  to 
examine  any  plans  and  specifications,  and  including  also  the  cost  of 
such  furniture  and  fixtures  for  any  building  hereby  authorized  as  shall 
be  approved  and  consented  to  by  the  Board  of  Estimate  and  Appor- 
tionment, the  Comptroller  of  the  City  of  New  York  is  hereby  directed, 
from  time  to  time,  when  thereto  directed  by  the  Board  of  Estimate 
and  Apportionment,  to  issue  consolidated  stock  of  the  City  of  New 
York  in  the  manner  now  provided  by  law  to  an  amount  not  exceeding 
in  the  aggregate  the  sum  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

§  6.  This  act  shall  take  effect  immediately. 

STATE  OF  NEW  YORK, 

Oflace  of  the  Secretary  of  State. 

I  have  compared  the  precediug  with  the  ori^nal  law  on  file  in  this 
office,  and  do  hereby  certify  that  the  same  is  a  correct  transcript  there- 
from and  of  the  whole  of  said  original  law. 

<Signed),  JOHN  PALMER, 

Secretary  of  State. 

After  it  was  decided  not  to  locate  the  first  bath  in  Tompkins 
Square,  another  site  was  necessary.  It  will  be  noted  that  it  will  now 
be  situated  in  the  new  East  Side  Park. 

The  matter  of  locating  an  additional  public  park  on  the  east 
side  of  the  city  was  taken  up  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Street 
Opening  and  Improvement  on  June  5,  1896,  and,  after  much  discus- 
sion, the  President  of  the  Department  of  Public  Parks  offered  the 
following  resolution: 


44  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

present  status. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Street  Opening-  and  Improve- 
ment, in  pursuance  of  the  provisions  of  chapter  293  of  the  Laws  of 
1895,  and  of  chapter  320  of  the  Laws  of  1887,  proposes  to  select,  lo- 
cate and  lay  out  as  a  public  park  the  block  bounded  by  Jefiferson 
street.  East  Broadway,  Canal  and  Division  streets,  and  also  the 
block  bounded  by  Division,  Essex,  Hester  and  Norfolk  streets,  and 
also  the  block  bounded  by  Norfolk,  Hester,  Suffolk  and  Division 
streets,  in  the  City  of  New  York;  and  that  such  portion  of  Norfolk 
street  running  from  Hester  to  Division  streets  be  closed  and  thrown 
into  such  public  park,  and  that  Jefiferson  street  be  opened  and  ex- 
tended through  the  block  bounded  by  Division,  Hester,  Suffolk  and 
Norfolk  streets  so  as  to  connect  with  Norfolk  street  on  the  north  side 
of  Hester  street;  and  that  the  Department  of  Public  Parks  be  re- 
quested to  set  apart  for  a  public  bath  the  easterly  end  of  the  block 
bounded  by  Suffolk,  Hester,  Division  and  Norfolk  streets." 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Public  Baths  of  New  York. 

The  first  provision  for  Free  Public  Baths  was  made  in  1870  by 
the  erection  of  two  floating  baths. 

MALB    GUARD. 

There  are  now  fifteen  floating  baths,  berthed  at  convenient  loca- 
tions from  the  Battery  to  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-fourth  street,  on 
the  'North  river,  and  from  Market  slip,  on  the  East  river.  The  baths 
are  usually  open  from  the  middle  of  June  to  October  ist.  They  are 
open  daily  from  5  a.  m.  to  9  p.  m.,  except  Sundays,  when  they  are 
closed  at  noon.  Mondays,  Wednesdays  and  Fridays  are  set  apart  for 
women  and  children,  the  remainder  of  the  week  being  for  males. 
There  is  absolutely  no  charge  for  admission  to  the  baths.  All  bathers 
excepting  children  are  required  to  furnish  themselves  with  bathing 
dresses,  and,  to  avoid  infection,  no  towels  or  other  toilet  articles  can 
be  hired  at  the  baths.  Two  male  attendants  are  in  charge  of  each 
bath  on  the  days  set  apart  for  males,  and  two  female  attendants  on 
the  other  days.  A  male  guard  at  each  bath  on  women's  days,  a  police- 
man to  keep  order,  and  a  keeper  at  each  bath  at  night  are  also  em- 
ployed. Each  bath  has  an  average  of  sixty-three  dressing-rooms,  a 
reception,  toilet  and  retiring-room,  and  is  lighted  by  gas.  The  batlis 
have  a  supply  of  ice  water  and  are  thoroughly  swept,  scoured  and 
washed  down  nightly.  At  the  end  of  each  bathing  season  the  baths 
are  thoroughly  repaired,  painted  and  cleaned. 

The  average  cost  of  construction  and  equipment  of  each  bath  is 
$13,000,  and  the  annual  cost  of  maintenance  and  repairs  for  the  fifteen 
baths  is  $48,000,  including  $30,000  for  the  salaries  of  attendants. 

LOCATION    OF    BATHS. 

The  baths  are  located  as  conveniently  as  possible  to  crowded 
tenement-house  districts.  The  berths  are  assigned  by  the  Depart- 
ment of  Docks,  and  before  the  baths  are  placed  the  Health  Depart- 
ment makes  an  examination  to  ascertain  if  the  sanitary  condition  of 
the  location  is  gfood. 


46 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


William  Brookfield,  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  wrote  the 
Committee,  under  date  of  June  19,  1895,  that  more  floating  baths 
could  be  used  advantageously,  if  berths  could  be  obtained  for  them 
at  places  where  they  are  most  needed. 

For  the  season  of  1896,  which  lasted  from  June  20th  to  October 
loth,  the  number  of  bathers  was  as  follows: 


WEEK  ENDING 


June  27  . 

July  4  . 

"  11  . 

"  18  . 

"  25  . 

Aug.  1  . 

"  8  . 

"  15  . 

'<  22  . 

"  29  . 

Sept.  5  . 

'^  12  . 

"  19  . 

"  26  . 

Oct.  3  . 

"  10  . 

Total 


Males. 


51,285 

70,074 

17l>,247 

235,659 

343,898 

378,297 

440,166 

508,796 

575,244 

3ti0,808 

261,335 

216,248 

134,967 

81,889 

50,313 

14,529 


3,895,755 


Females. 


8,494 

18,406 

60,354 

68,049 

98,155 

203,515 

238,253 

246,924 

253,580 

140,235 

102,507 

96,178 

82,591 

22,218 

1:5,173 

5,511 


1,058,143 


Total. 


59,779 
88,480 
232,601 
303,708 
442,053 
581,812 
678,419 
755,720 
828,824 
501,043 
363,842 
312,426 
217,558 
104,107 
63,486 
20,040 


5,553,898 


JOHN    PATON. 

While  it  is  true  that  there  are  in  New  York  no  free  public  baths 
except  the  floating  baths  in  the  summer,  yet  there  are  opportunities 
for  the  people  to  secure  cleansing  baths  entirely  or  partly  free  of 
cost,  but  these  opportunities  are  made  possible  by  philanthropic 
societies.  The  first  public  bath  in  the  United  States  was  opened  in 
New  York  City,  9  Centre  Market  place,  by  the  New  York  Association 
for  Improving  the  Condition  of  the  Poor.  The  remarkable  success 
of  these  baths  was  due  largely  to  the  great  interest  of  the  then 
president  of  the  Association,  John  Paton.     In  his  own  words: 

"  The  only  free  baths  in  the  city  are  those  maintained  by  the 
Corporation,  and  consist  of  swimming  baths  in  the  harbor,  open 
during  the  hot  months.  It  is  only  necessary  to  glance  at  the  hundreds 
of  sewers  pouring  out  their  disgusting  streams  into  the  salt  water  of 
the  docks,  and  see  that  while  these  city  baths  may  aflford  amusement 
and  pleasure  to  thousands  during  the  hot  season,  the  water  is  always 


Public  Baths  of  New  York.  47 

impure  and  often  filthy  in  the  extreme.    Such  bathinj:^  is  not  cleansing, 
and  it  may  be  doubted  if  it  is  not  often  positively  unhealthy."* 

Deeply  impressed  with  the  belief  that  cleanliness  of  person  is  not 
only  elevating  in  its  effects  upon  the  mind  and  morals,  but  also 
necessary  to  health  and  to  the  warding  off  disease,  the  New  York 
Association  for  Improving  the  Condition  of  the  Poor  discussed  for 
many  months  the  subject  of  public  baths. 

SPRAY    SYSTE5M. 

After  long  consideration  of  the  plans  in  use  in  other  countries, 
it  was  decided  to  try  the  spray  or  shower-bath  system  as  followed  in 
Vienna.  This  is  simply  a  gentle  shower  of  water,  the  temperature  and 
force  easily  regulated  by  the  bather,  the  water  at  once  running  off 
into  the  sewers.  In  this  way  the  most  perfect  cleanliness  is  insured, 
and  all  risk  of  infection  or  communication  of  contagious  disease, 
such  as  must  be  almost  inseparable  from  the  use  of  the  ordinary  bath- 
tub, is  avoided.  Another  distinct  advantage  of  this  spray  system  is 
the  great  economy  of  water,  at  least  six  persons  being  able  to  bathe 
in  the  same  quantity  as  would  suffice  for  one  tub  bath. 

INDUSTRIAli    CENTRE  — SOLIDITY. 

"  The  People's  Bathhouse  "  stands  in  Centre  Market  place,  near 
Broome  street,  in  the  midst  of  a  large  tenement-house  district,  and 
adjacent  to  an  industrial  centre  where  a  mechanical  and  laboring 
population  of  a  cosmopolitan  character  is  constantly  employed.  It 
is  substantially  constructed  of  brick  and  iron,  two  stories  in  height, 
and  presents  an  attractive  appearance.  The  walls  are  of  white  enamel 
brick,  strong  iron  beams  support  the  floors,  the  roof  and  bathrooms 
are  of  iron.  Brick,  cement  and  slate  have  been  much  used  in  the 
interior,  and  light-colored  bricks  compose  a  facade  as  striking  as  it 
is  ornamental.  The  building  is  set  off  by  many  cheerful  windows  and 
an  expansive  arch  spans  the  doorway.  The  sanitary  appliances  are 
complete.  Designed  for  the  accommodation  of  both  sexes,  the  baths 
on  the  main  floor  are  equally  divided,  nine  spray  baths  being  allotted 

*  Public  Baths,  by  John  Patou,  late  president  of  the  New  York  Asso- 
ciation for  Improving  the  Condition  of  the  Poor.  Read  before  the  Evan- 
gelical Alliance  in  Chicago,  1893. 


48  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

to  each.  There  is  one  general  entrance,  but  separate  waiting--rooms, 
one  for  men  and  the  other  for  women ;  from  these  each  in  turn  goes 
to  the  baths,  which- are  completely  shut  off  from  the  adjoining  com- 
partments. In  the  rear  of  the  main  section  there  are  three  bathtubs, 
two  for  females  and  one  for  males,  the  former  principally  used  by 
mothers  with  young  children.  The  basement  contains  nine  spray 
baths.  They  are  all  reserved  for  males  and  constructed  precisely 
similar  to  those  on  the  main  floor.  The  engine  is  especially  strong 
and  durable,  and  a  powerful  boiler  heats  the  water  for  the  whole 
building.  Croton  water  is  used  and  also  an  artesian  well,  sunk  within 
the  building,  which  insures  a  full  supply,  never  failing  and  pure.  Im- 
proved laundry  machinery  and  ventilating  apparatus  are  also  placed 
in  the  basement,  and  all  towels  in  use  are  washed  upon  the  premises. 
Every  inch  of  space  is  economized.  The  whole  structure  is  a  model 
in  its  way  and  a  compact  embodiment  of  architectural  and  mechanical 
skill.  Solidity  is  its  great  characteristic  and  a  glance  at  the  building 
will  convince  any  one  that  it  is  certainly  well  adapted  for  perennial 
baths.  A  large  skylight  gives  light  to  the  bathrooms  above,  there  is 
gas  for  those  below,  and  the  most  improved  methods  of  sanitary 
engineering  have  been  adopted  and  skillfully  executed.  The  fine 
appearance  of  the  exterior  is  matched  by  the  comfort  and  attractive- 
ness manifested  within.  All  idea  of  patronage  is  avoided  and  the 
bathhouse  as  it  stands  is  both  an  ornament  and  a  pride. 

A  bather  occupies  his  compartment  for  twenty  minutes.  This 
is  ample  time  for  a  comfortable  bath.  He  receives  a  towel  and  a 
cake  of  soap  and  the  fee  of  the  bath  is  five  cents.  A  mother  with 
little  children  counts  as  one,  and  so  much  is  this  privilege  appreciated 
that  the  tubs  are  in  constant  use  the  year  round. 

,  AMERICAN    HOUSE3WIFE. 

The  management  is  excellent.  Cleanliness  and  economy  are 
strictly  observed,  and  an  atmosphere  of  comfort  pervades  the  estab- 
lishment. The  floors  and  walls  are  as  clean  and  bright  as  the  kitchen 
of  an  American  housewife,  and  the  brass  work  shines  like  her  tins. 
A  competent  matron  cares  for  the  women.  A  man  of  experience 
looks  after  the  men.  The  police  authorities  have  kindly  detailed  an 
officer  as  a  regular  attendant  and  perfect  order  is  maintained. 


First-class  Swimming  Pool,  Hornsey  Road,  Islington  (London).  Size  of 
pool,  132  X  40  feet;  fees,  12c.  for  first  class  and  4c.  for  second-class.  The 
swimming  pool  affords  splendid  opportunities  for  recreation. 


Swimming  Pool  for  Women  at   the   Hornsey    Road,    Islington,   London, 
Baths.     At  this  establishment  for  the  year  ending    March  31st,   1896,  92,190 
persons  used  the  private  baths,  179,034  the  swimming  pools  and  30,420  the 
laundry.      The    receipts     from    the    above    amounted     to     £4,224     los.    3d 
($20573.37). 


:T4ITl!in.Tl'tllld)tiltll!tlllM.^^. 


WTO 


in[<i.m^m<^nrj>]ir<rT]T(r''mi5J] 

C ■        L-         m ■         ■         !■         »j=Jfa 


Public  Baths  of  Xkw  York. 


49 


Tlie  figures  for  the  period  since  tlien  throuj^h  September,  1896, 
show  a  wonderful  increase  in  the  number  of  bathers  and  have  taxed 
the  capacities  of  the  batli  to  the  utmost.  'J'hc  facts  also  indicate  the 
popular  demand  for  cleansing-  baths.  If  the  People's  Baths  were 
twice  as  large,  they  could  be  operated  at  a  profit,  but  with  their 
present  capacity  there  is  a  debit  balance.  The  following  data  sum- 
marize the  facts  through  September,  1896. 

In  answer  to  tiie  numerous  in(juiries,  the  detailed  expenses  of 
the  People's  l>aths  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  September  30,  1896,  are 
submitted, 

EXPENDITURES   FOR   PEOPLE'S   BATHS,   1895-1896. 


1895-96. 


Salaries. 


Gas. 


Fuel. 


Incidentals. 


Engineer's 
supplies. 


October,  1895 
November  . . . 
December  ..  . 
Januaiy,  189(J 
Februai-y   .  . . 

March   

April   

May 

June 

July 

August    

September   .  . 

Total . . . 


9!305 
3()5 
305 
305 
305 
305 
305 
310 
310 
310 
310 
310 


?3,685 


$18  87 
18  50 

'34  62 
16  25 

13  87 

14  50 
13  75 

15  12 


33  62 


$72 

00 

88  50 

68 
72 
43 

00 
00 
25 

102 

00 

$179  10  I     $445  75 


$52 
3:J 
50 
20 
26 
21 
23 
24 
40 
44 
52 
37 


39 
19 
93 
10 
55 
88 
30 
55 
32 
73 
90 
17 


$428  01 


$6  15 
2  75 

287 

4  75 
11  47 
8  73 
2  ()4 
11  30 
1  87 
4  33 


$56  86 


1895-96. 


Soap. 


Repairs. 


Total 
expenses. 


Total 
receipts. 


October,  1895  . 
November  . . . . 
December  . . . . 
January,   1896. 

February  

March    

April 

May    

June  

July 

August  

September  . . .  . 

Total 


$34  00 
34  66 

75  54 


$143  54 


$20 

57 

36 

30 

42 

00 

24 

04 

$122  91 


$363  54 
359  81 
446  43 
348  54 
488  67 

384  18 
455  64 
471  78 
409  96 
405  19 
542  31 

385  12 


$5,061  17 


-  $226  60 
248  85 
218  75 
200  15 
193  70 
265  70 
320  85 
453  20 
537  65 
681  20 
649  (50 
389  70 


$4,391  95 


50 


Mayou's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


Cost  of  operation  for  the  last  j-ear  beyond  receipts  from  batli- 

ers — cliarge  five  cents  for  batli *.  .  §609  22 

Greatest  number  in  any  one  month 14, 644 

Greatest  number  bathed  in  any  one  day 1, 074 

Arerase  number  bathed  per  month  for  the  whole  period 6,531 

Average  number  batlied  per  day  for  the  Avhole  period 215 

Average  number  batlied  i>er  day  for  the  four  Avinter  months, 

1895-6  (closed  two  days  for  repairs) 153 

Receipts  from  bathhouse ?4,391  95 

Receipts  from  donations 34  (i2 

Total   receipts ?4,425  97 

Expenditures  5, 061  17 

,    Debit  balance $635  20 


NUMBER  OF  BATHERS  FROM  DATE  OF  OPENING  IN  1891,  THUS 

DIVIDED. 

Men 295,387 

Women 54, 462 

Children  51, 803 

Total 401, 652 


NUMBER  OF  BATHERS,  AUGUST  17,  1891,  TO  SEPTEMBER  30,  1895. 


1891. 

Men. 

Women. 

.Children. 

Total. 

August  17  to  Se]>teiuber  30 

5,188 

1,301 

4,015 

10,504 

1891-2. 


October,    1891 
November  .. .. 

December 

Jaiiuiiry,  1892 

Febriinry    

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September  . .. 

Total  .... 


Men. 


,721 
,484 
,845 
,669 
,878 
,120 
,098 
,684 
,482 
,483 
,216 
,042 


42,722 


Women. 


246 

159 

164 

150 

161 

188 

359 

375 

1,421 

2,271 

1,477 

489 


7,460 


Children. 


581 

311 

315 

243 

318 

284 

460 

695 

1,723 

2,341 

1,420 

567 


9,258 


ToUl. 


2,548 
1,954 
2,324 
2,062 
2,357 
2,592 
3,917 
4,754 
9,626 
13,095 
9.113 
5,098 


59,440 


Public  Jjatiis  of  Xkw  York. 


51 


1892-3. 


October,    1892 

Novoml>er 

December 

Janiuirv,   189o. 
Fcbniaiv 


March . 

April 

May 

June 

Jnl.v 

Auj^ust 

September 

Total  . 


Men. 


,603 
,256 
,668 
,191 
,167 
,Xo6 
,.->17 
,112 
,159 

,635 

,876 


52,624 


Women. 


348 

209 

212 

195 

194 

301 

342 

553 

1,214 

1,986 

1,992 

721 


Children. 


8,267 


385 

230 

265 

206 

209 

:V29 

476 

754 

l,3.5ti 

1,527 

1,247 

754 


7,738 


Total. 


4,3:56 
2,695 
3,145 
2,."  92 
2,. 570 
3,4S6 
4,335 
6,419 
9,729 
12,097 
10,874 
6,3.51 


68,629 


October,    1893 

November 

December 

January,  1894 

February  

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September  . . . 

Total  .... 


Men. 


4,076 
3,018 
3,2.38 
2,899 
2,712 
4,355 
4,905 
5,649 
8,949 
8,768 
6,389 
4,950 


59,908 


Women. 


420 

292 

300 

321 

281 

455 

572 

783 

2,1«3 

2,58ti 

1,716 

868 


10,757 


Idren. 

Total. 

609 

5,105 

580 

3,890 

527 

4,065 

485 

3,705 

362 

3,355 

663 

5,473 

723 

6,200 

943 

7,375 

1,826 

12,938 

1,488 

12,842 

993 

9,098 

673 

6,491 

9,872 


80,537 


1S94-5. 


October,   1894 

November 

December 

January,  1895 

February  

March 

April   

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

Total  .... 


Men. 


4,801 
3,248 
3,516 
2,352 
3,345 
4,197 
4,824 
6,795 
8,127 
8.003 
9.476 
6,833 


Women. 


752 

432 

39:! 

259 

288 

446 

528 

1,096 

1,579 

2,076 

3,035 

1,697 


Children. 


651 

450 

514 

377 

493 

681 

758 

1,097 

1,340 

1,394 

1,777 

1,104 


Total. 


6,204 

4,130 

4,423 

2,988 

4,126 

5,:^24 

6,110 

8,988 

11,046 

11.473 

14,288 

9,634 


65,517  I       12,581  |       10,636 


88,734 


52 


Mavok's  Committee  ox  Tublic  Baths. 


1895-6. 


October.   1895 

Noveiubrr 

Deceiiilier 

Jjinuaiy.  1896 

February  

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

Toral  .... 


Men. 


3,867 
4,149 
3,751 
3,416 
3,313 
4,205 
5,368 
7, 294 
8,183 
10,092 
9,426 
6,364 


69,428 


Women. 


472 

588 

458 

430 

387 

528 

774 

1,324 

2,048 

2,919 

3,024 

1,144 


14,096 


Children. 


534 

546 

474 

459 

419 

539 

844 

1,226 

1,314 

1,633 

1,445 

b51 


10,284 


Total. 


4,873 

5,283 

4,683 

4,305 

4,119 

5,272 

6,986 

9,844 

11,545 

14,644 

13,895 

8,359 


93,808 


Expenses. 


Receipts. 


Deficit. 


Total  number 
of  bathers. 


1891     . 

lJ^91-2 

1892-a 

1S93-4 

1894-.-) 

1895-(J 


$667  81 
5.077  75 
5,106  86 
5,293  31 
5,152  91 
.").0(il  17 


I 
$424  55  I 
2,794  00  I 
3,206  10  I 
3,801  00  I 
4,105  25  i 
4,391  95  I 


?243  26 

2.283  75 

1,840  7(5 

1,492  31 

987  66 

009  22 


Total I  !!;20.359  81  |  $18,842  85  |     .?7.51G  90 

^1 I  I 


10.504 
59,440 
08,029 
80.537 

88,734 
93.808 


$401,652 


BARON    DID    HIKSCH. 

Shortly  after  the  People's  Baths,  those  of  the  Baron  de  Hirsch 
Fund  were  opened,  where  also  the  spray  system  is  used.  The  estab- 
lishment is  open  for  Jews  and  Christians,  and  is  supported  by  the 
Baron  de  Hirsch  Fund.  These  baths  occupy  the  first  floor  and  base- 
ment of  a  house  at  the  corner  of  Henry  and  Market  streets,  and  upon 
them  have  been  expended  $14,500.  The  cost  of  the  plant  was  $1 1 ,000. 
The  charge  for  bathing  is  five  cents  for  adults  and  three  cents  for 
children.  There  is  no  charge  for  the  pupils  of  the  Baron  de  Hirsch 
English  and  Trade  Schools.  Total  number  of  bathers  who  have 
paid,  from  date  of  opening  to  January  i,  1895  (three  years) 


Men  ..  . 
Women 


Total. 


159.323 
39.985 

199.308 


Childfcii:     No  record  kept. 

Free:     riipils  of  Baron  de  Hirsch  JEnglisli  and  Trade  schools. 


1'lbliu  Baths  ok  New  Youk. 


53 


MONTH. 


Men. 


Women. 


Total. 


.laiui.'iry,  18n."» |         'j:,  i  i.t 

Ft'l.iuai-y    

M:irch   | 

Ai-ril    

May    

Juno I 

July    I 

August    I 

September   I 

i 
Total I 

I 


2G7 


:i,n-i2 


2,714  1 

2<;2 

2.97tj 

3,1.S8  1 

.•'.(;4 

:',..".2 

.■{.2(;9  1 

421 

;}.r.90 

1       4,yr)0  1 

72:! 

.-..(JT9 

1          U,148  1 

1,11.". 

7,2(;.*i 

G,7(M>  1 

1,42.-. 

8.1:',1 

«j,i4y  1 

1,092 

7.241 

4,7r.i  1 

1 

92."> 

n,G8G 

4U,66G  1 

1 

6,594 

47,260 

In  1895-6,  a  total  of  57,779  baths  were  taken.  In  the  months  of 
April  and  September  the  baths  were  closed  for  four  days  on  account 
■of  Jewish  holidays. 

The  annual  cost,  including  rent  (over  and  above  all  receipts),  is 
$1,200.  Number  of  paid  attendants,  3;  greatest  number  of  bathers 
in  any  one  month,  9,235,  July,  1894;  greatest  number  of  bathers  in 
any  one  day,  712,  September  30,  1894. 

RIVKRSIDK    BATHS. 

The  baths  of  the  Riverside  Association,  259  West  Sixty-ninth 
street,  were  opened  February  20,  1895.  There  are  thirteen  baths  of 
the  rain  water  or  spray  system.  Each  compartment  is  built  of  corru- 
gated iron  below  and  wire  netting  above,  affording  light  and  ventila- 
tion. Each  bather  is  allowed  twenty  minutes  and  is  furnished  soap 
and  towel,  at  the  cost  of  five  cents.  The  fee  to  the  members  of  the 
Association  is  one  cent.  On  March  15,  1895,  Turkish  and  hydriatic 
baths  w-ere  added. 


Rain  baths  (since  the  date  of  opeuiug) 48. 515 

Turkish  baths 5, 716 

Hydriati'ic   baths 7, 185 

Total  baths  up  to  October  31,  1896 r.G. 416 

The  facilities  of  the  Riverside  Baths  are  about  three  hundred 
bathers  daily. 

The  De  Milt  Dispensary  also  supplies  baths  at  five  cents,  soap 
and  towel  furnished.     The  baths,  consisting  of  six  sprays  and  one 


54  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Purlic  Baths, 

tub  bath,  were  opened  in  1891  at  a  cost  of  $3,400.  Xone  of  the  baths 
are  free.  Only  two  afternoons  and  evenings  a  week  are  reserved  for 
women.  From  November  i,  1892,  up  to  1895,  tliere  were  bathed 
34,618  men  and  3,442  women,  a  total  of  38,060.  In  1895,  15.826 
persons  bathed,  and  in  the  ten  months  of  1896  to  November  i, 
13,247,  making  a  grand  total  of  67,133  baths  in  four  years.  During 
the  three  weeks  of  1896  the  baths  were  undergoing  repairs,  so  that 
the  numbers  were  considerably  curtailed. 

FI.OATIXG    HOSPITAL,. 

The  Floating  Hospital  of  the  St.  John's  Guild  gave  salt  water 
baths  to  3,084  babies,  4,575  children,  and  855  women,  a  total  of  8,514, 
on  its  fifty-seven  trips  in  the  bay  in  the  summer  of  1896.  This  made 
a  total  of  49,554  baths  since  the  establishment  of  the  hospital  in  the 
summer  of  1887.  It  contains  twenty-three  children's  and  four 
women's  spray  baths,  two  deep  tubs  for  children  and  four  sm.all  tubs 
for  babies.  These  baths  are  supervised  by  trained  nurses,  and  are, 
of  course,  free. 

AVAYFARER'S    LODGE. 

The  Wayfarers'  Lodge  on  West  Twenty-sixth  street  only  gives 
a  bed  on  condition  of  a  bath.  This  is  usually  taken  very  willingly, 
carbolic  tar  soap  being  supplied.  There  are  seven  shower  baths,  and 
the  temperature  of  the  water  can  be  regulated  at  the  bather's  pleasure. 
From  September  i,  1895,  to  September  30,  1896,  inclusive,  the  num- 
ber of  baths  taken  was  9,262. 

On  March  1 1  last  the  Department  of  Public  Charities  established 
a  "  Lodging-house  for  Homeless  Men."  A  bath  is  compulsory  for 
every  lodger,  and  the  results  have  been  pronounced  very  beneficial. 
There  are  eight  baths  of  the  ordinary  spray  or  shower  bath  form;  the 
stalls  are  about  two  and  one-half  feet  wide,  thus  providing  a  separate 
bathing  place  for  each  man. 


CHAPTER  ^V. 

Swimming  Clurs  and  the  Swimming  Bath  as  a  Means  of 

Recreation. 

LACK    OK    KECREATION. 

New  York  City  is  by  no  means  so  well  supplied  with  means  of 
recreation  as  its  public-spirited  citizens  could  desire.  In  the  winter, 
while  the  well-to-do  man  can  find  enjoyment  in  his  library  or  at  a 
club,  and  numberless  entertainments  are  open  to  his  purse,  the  work- 
ing man  has  often  only  the  saloon  to  which  he  can  turn  to-get  society. 
The  free  libraries  here  are  few  and  far  between,  though  always  well 
patronized.  In  the  summer  for  the  poor  man  there  are  the  parks  and 
the  Free  Floating  Baths.  The  extent  to  which  these  baths  are  used 
shows  how  much  they  are  appreciated,  even  when  the  luxury  of  a 
swim  is  only  able  to  be  indulged  in  in  water  befouled  by  sewage  such 
as  that  of  the  adjacent  rivers.  But  there  are  many  who  do  not  care 
to  use  the  floating  baths  who  would  dearly  enjoy  a  plunge  in  a  com- 
fortable swimming  bath,  and  would  be  prepared  to  pay  a  small  sum 
for  it. 

SEABOARD    CITY. 

Much  of  the  amusement  provided  in  the  city  is  not  truly  "  recrea- 
tion," which  is  a  recreating  of  the  body  and  mind  so  that  the  man  or 
woman  feels  like  a  new  being  afterwards,  and  is  better  fitted  to  enter 
again  on  the  work  he  has  to  do.  Of  the  recreative  effects  of  swim- 
ming enough  cannot  be  said.  The  invigorating  effect  of  a  cold  plunge 
on  both  body  and  mind  is  as  beneficial  as  it  is  pleasant,  while  as  an 
exercise  swimming  is  both  useful  and  agreeable.  New  York  city 
especially  needs  to  encourage  swimming.  Being  a  seaboard  city, 
many  lives  are  annually  lost  by  drowning  which  could  be  saved  if 
either  the  person  to  whom  the  accident  happens  or  some  onlooker 
were  able  to  swim.  The  deaths  by  drowning  for  the  last  three  years 
were : 


56 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


January  . . 
Februaiy  . 
March  .... 

April 

May    

June 

July    

August  .  . . 
September 
October  . . 
November 
December 


Total. 


1893. 


Accident       Suicide 


31 
34 
28 
20 
14 
9 


190 


Accident.     Suicide. 


G 
16 
17 
26 
35 
31 
26 
21 

5 


201 


1895. 


Accident.     Suicide 


5 
3 
9 
16 
26 
32 
30 
33 
26 
12 
12 


209 


1 
14 


i  POLICEMEN. 

In  addition  to  death  many  accidents  occur,  and  it  would  seem 
that  our  policemen  might  with  advantage  be  given  instruction  in  the 
art  of  swimming  and  in  life-saving  methods,  that  they  might  not 
hesitate  for  fear  of  risking  their  lives  in  attempting  to  rescue  drowning 
persons. 

Much  more  was  done  by  the  city  in  the  past  in  this  matter  than 
it  is  doing  to-day.  In  i8o6  the  Humane  Society  of  New  York  re- 
solved to  devote  a  portion  of  its  care  to  the  resuscitation  of  persons 
apparently  dead  from  drowning.  It  accordingly  provided  several 
sets  of  apparatus  and  appointed  physicians  to  take  charge  of  them  and 
give  the  necessary  medical  aid. 

312    DEATHS    FROM    DROWNING. 

In  1 868  the  number  of  deaths  from  drowning  had  so  largely 
increased,  averaging  212  per  annum,  that  a  committee  was  appointed 
by  the  Board  of  Health  to  see  if  something  could  not  be  done  in  the 
matter.  As  a  result,  lessons  in  the  rescue  and  resuscitation  of 
drowned  persons  were  given  to  819  policemen,  of  whom  ninety-two 
were  sergeants;  an  illustrated  pamphlet  was  issued  and  apparatus 
placed  at  twenty-four  points  on  the  water  front.  The  apparatus  con- 
sisted of  a  grapnel  or  a  drag,  a  pike,  a  ladder,  and  a  float  attached  to 
a  heaving  line.  During  the  five  months  previous  to  January  18, 
1869,  no  fewer  than  twenty-five  persons  were  rescued  from  drowning 


The  Swi.MMiNc  1>atii  as  Ubcreation.  57 

by  the  agencies  of  the  Board.  During  1869  it  was  reported  that  the 
hves  of  180  persons  had  been  saved.  The  number  of  rescue  stations 
was  extended,  and  the  apparatus  maintained  in  good  order.  In  1870 
it  was  reported  that  a  large  numl)cr  of  Hvcs  had  been  saved,  and 
poHcemen  stationed  at  the  ferries,  ferrymasters,  boatmen,  and  others 
united  in  the  opinion  that  the  hfe-saving  apparatus  was  an  inchspen- 
sable  necessity.  In  1872  the  appropriation  for  maintenance  of  the 
life-saving  apparatus  was  $300.  Nearly  one-third  of  the  a])i)aratus 
had  yielded  to  wear  and  tear.  In  1873  ^^''^  Board  of  Health  reported 
that  "  The  usefulness  of  the  apparatus  would  doubtless  be  enhanced 
if  the  persons  regularly  employed  at  the  ferries  and  steamboat  land- 
ings were  instructed  and  expert  in  its  use,  as  well  as  in  the  resuscita- 
tion of  persons  rescued  from  the  water."  In  1874-75  ^he  apparatus 
was  carefully  overhauled  and  redistributed  to  points  where  it  was 
most  needed.  The  necessary  exposure  of  the  apparatus  subjected  it 
to  rough  usage,  causing  more  injury  than  would  result  from  honest 
wear  and  tear.  No  memoranda  of  the  lives  saved  had  been  kept, 
though  it  was  believed  that  they  were  so  numerous  as  to  warrant  the 
Board  in  extending  the  apparatus  more  generally  along  the  water 
front.  Since  that  date  no  attempt  was  made  to  keep  the  apparatus 
in  repair,  and  it  was  gradually  lost,  stolen  or  worn  out,  until  it  all 
disappeared,  and  it  is  now  many  years  since  any  such  apparatus 
furnished  by  the  Health  Department  has  been  upon  the  docks  and 
excursion  boats. 

SLIPPER    BATHS. 

Compared  with  the  private  bath,  the  public  swimming  bath  is  a 
comparatively  late  institution.  While  the  English  Baths  and  Wash- 
houses  Act  dates  from  1846,  provision  for  swimming  baths  was  not 
made  until  an  amendment  was  made  to  the  act  in  1878.  Previous  to 
that  time  the  public,  or,  rather,  the  male  portion  of  it,  bathed  in  the 
rivers  and  streams.  This  arrangement,  though  suited  to  small  towns 
and  villages,  was  not  adequate  to  the  needs  of  a  large  and  growing 
urban  population,  and  advantage  was  quickly  taken  of  the  permission 
to  build  swimming  baths  at  the  corporate  expense.  These  baths  are 
naturally  most  frequented  in  the  summer  time,  and  the  attendance 
falls  off  in  the  winter  much  more  than  in  the  slipper  baths.    In  spite 


58 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


of  this,  the  numbers  using  the  swimming  bath  usually  exceed  the 
numbers  using  all  other  kinds  of  baths.    To  take  a  few  cities : 


BiriniusliatiQ  (5  baths) 

Bradford  (2  baths) 

Burnley 

Coventry 

Liverpool  (7  baths) 

London : 

Bow  (1895-6)  

Islington  (1894-5) 

Kensington 

St.  Giles  and  St.  George, 
B]oomsbHry»(1894)  ... 

St.  James,  Westminster, 

(1H94)  

Salford,  4   establishments 

(1891-2)  


Swimming  Baths. 


Men. 


242,989 
89,198 
33,851 
53,463 

332,861 

49,468 

197,641 

53,943 

9,818 

31,617 

99,126 


5,305 
1,309 


4,398 
8,027 

3,231 

26.760 

5;  949 


1,990 
3,670 


Children. 


55,750 


52,653 


Other  Baths. 


Men. 


110,181 
79,535 
11,383 
16,753 

108,653 

48,663 

122,371 

40,950 

36,000 

66,764 

41,671 


AVomen. 


15,838 
13,061 


5,ti35 
10,883 

12,494 

28,576 

9,249 

10,959 

24,495 

6,434 


JUST    FOR    FUN. 

These  figures  will  suffice  to  show  the  greater  popularity  of  the 
swimming  bath.  The  cleansing  value  of  the  bath  is  small,  and  some 
of  the  bathers  go  "  just  for  the  fun,"  even  when  they  cannot  swim. 
Incidentally  cleanliness  is  aided,  for  it  is  understood  that  the  bather 
must  attend  to  that  as  a  preliminary,  and  often  a  cleansing-room 
with  douches  is  attached,  the  warm  douche  to  be  used  before  bathing 
and  the  cold  after.  Sometimes  there  are  two  douche  rooms,  for  adults 
and  children  respectively.  In  almost  every  bath  a  cold  shower  is 
provided. 

The  swimming  bath  is  usually  fitted  with  various  appliances  for 
the  bathers'  enjoyment.  There  are  diving  boards  at  various  heights, 
and  lately  chutes  are  being  placed  in  many  of  the  new  baths,  from 
which  the  diver  slides  headforemost  into  the  water.  The  gradual 
deepening  of  the  baths  —  generally  from  about  three  feet  to  six  feet 
six  inches  —  affords  the  means  of  enjoyment  to  both  swimmers  and 
non-swimmers,  giving  confidence  to  many  to  learn  to  swim.  Pro- 
vision is  now  frequently  made  for  the  game  of  water  ]>(>1().  which  is 
hotly  contested  and  greatly  enjoyed  by  all  the  participants,  and,  on 
occasion  by  spectators. 


The  Swimming  Bath  as  Rfxueatiox.  59^ 

SWIMMING    liCSSONS. 

The  London  School  Board  has  done  a  great  deal  to  encourage 
the  children  under  its  care  to  learn  to  swim.  Tickets  signed  by  the 
head  teacher,  and  stamped  with  the  name  of  the  school,  are  issued  to 
those  who  can  afford  it  at  one  penny  (two  cents)  each,  but  to  those 
who  are  too  poor  a  special  voucher  is  given  freely,  the  Board  redeem- 
ing them  when  a  sufftcient  numljcr  has  been  presented.  i\Iany 
youngsters  are  not  satisfied  with  getting  a  free  ticket,  which  they  can 
only  have  once  a  week,  but  manage  to  pay  for  a  bath  at  the  id.  rate  in 
addition.  The  time  spent  in  learning  swimming  counts  as  part  of  the 
regular  school  hours. 

10,000    SWIMMERS  — FABIAN    CHAL.L.KNGE    SHIELD. 

Swimming  instruction  is  given  at  most  of  the  baths  by  competent 
instructors.  The  charge  of  6d.  per  lesson  or  5s.  per  course  of  twelve 
(12  cents  and  $1.25  respectively),  as  at  Edinburgh,  is  a  very  usual  one, 
children  paying  half  price.  In  1895  the  London  Schools  Swimming 
Association  taught  over  10.000  boys  and  girls  to  swim  —  many  of  the 
class  who  would  not  otherwise  have  seen  the  inside  of  a  swimming 
bath.  The  Association  is  worked  entirely  by  school  board  teachers, 
who  not  only  give  their  services  voluntarily,  but  are  often  out  of 
pocket  in  defraying  the  many  expenses  entailed.  Nearly  three  hun- 
dred schools  are  afifiliated  to  the  Central  Council  at  the  low  fee  of  is. 
per  annum.  These  schools  are  situated  all  over  the  London  postal 
district  and  are  grouped  into  suitable  branches,  of  which  there  are 
now  twenty-two,  each  school  communicating  with  the  Central  Coun- 
cil through  the  Branch  Secretary.  Each  branch  sends  one  repre- 
sentative to  the  Central  Council  for  every  six  schools  affiliated. 
Hoxton  has  eleven  schools  which  pay  2s.  6d.  af^liation  fee  to  the 
branch,  which  pays  their  afifiliation  fee  to  the  Central  Council.  A 
very  pretty  first-class  certificate,  designed  by  Walter  Crane,  is 
awarded  to  every  boy  swimming  a  hundred  yards,  and  to  every  girl 
swimming  fifty  yards,  an  examination  fee  of  3d.  being  charged.  The 
"  Daily  Chronicle  "  Challenge  Shield  is  held  for  one  year  by  the  boys' 
school  having  the  largest  number  of  these  certificates,  compared  with 
the  number  above  the  age  of  ten  years  on  the  roll  of  the  school.  The 
"  Fabian  "  Challenge  Shield  is  held  by  the  girls'  school  fulfilling  the 


60  ]Mayou's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

same  conditions.  The  event  of  the  3'ear  is  the  Central  Championship 
Cempetition,  and  leaders  in  the  swimming'  world  agree  that  it  is  the 
best  all-around  show  ever  given  by  children,  the  diving  and  the 
competition  of  four  boys'  teams  and  four  girls'  teams  for  the  Life  Sav- 
ing Society's  medals  and  certificates  being  especially  commended. 

FAULTY    SWIMMING. 

Teachers  are  encouraged  to  learn  to  swim  b}^  the  granting  of 
certificates  to  all  who  can  dive  (optional  for  ladies),  swim  one  hundred 
yards  (ladies  fifty  yards),  part  to  be  done  on  the  back,  and  satisfy  the 
judges  of  their  power  to  teach  swimming  and  life-saving.  Candidates 
are  expected  to  answer  questions  on  the  theory  and  method  of  teach- 
ing, and  to  criticise  faulty  swimming,  as  well  as  to  be  able  to  effec- 
tively rescue  by  any  two  of  the  four  methods  and  to  know  thoroughly 
the  resuscitation  drill  on  the  Sylvester  method.  Examiners  are  ap- 
pointed by  the  Southern  Counties  Amateur  Swimming  Association, 
the  Life  Saving  Society  and  the  London  Schools  Swimming 
Association. 

In  1895  the  London  Schools  Swimming  Association  expended 
£86  2s.,  while  its  income  was  only  £59  9s.  6d.  Subscriptions 
amounted  to  £20  9s.  6d.,  the  remainder  of  the  receipts  coming  from 
affiliation  fees,  sale  of  tickets  and  programmes  at  the  annual  compe- 
tition, etc.  The  Association  provided  medals  for  the  branch,  cham- 
pionship at  a  cost  of  £22  19s.  8d.  in  1895,  but  all  the  trophies  are  given 
by  interested  friends. 

MFE-SAVING    Cli.VSS. 

Mr.  Charles  Newman,  who  was  formerly  at  the  Battersea  Baths, 
taught  the  Board  school  boys  there  free  of  charge,  and  he  is  now 
doing  the  same  at  the  Westminster  Baths.  He  gives  about  1,700 
lessons  yearly,  and  turns  out  about  one  hundred  swimmers  eacli  year. 
Unfortunately,  he  had  to  turn  many  boys  away  for  the  simple  reason 
that  they  had  had  nothing  to  eat.  ]\Iany  deaths  which  were  put  down 
to  cramp  in  the  legs  were  more  properly  attributed  to  cramp  in  the 
stomach,  and  Mr.  Newman,  therefore,  dared  not  let  the  lads  enter  the 
water,  much  as  they  would  have  enjoyed  it.  ]\Ir.  Newman  also  ar- 
ranged a  life-saving  class,  which  won  warm  approval  from  Coroner 


Thk  Swi.M.MiNc;    r.Aiii   AS   Kkcukation.  01 

Hicks,  who  had  so  often  witnessed  the  sad  resuhs  of  a  lack  of  this 
knowledge  on  the  part  of  a  riverside  population. 

SWIMMING    CLUnS. 

To  promote  the  interests  of  swimmers  clubs  were  very  early 
formed,  and  now  there  is  scarcely  a  bath  which  is  not  used  by  at  least 
one,  and  often  by  cjuite  a  number  of  these  clubs.  A  reduction  is 
usually  made,  club  members  being  admitted  for  4d.  and  4|d.,  where 
other  bathers  are  charged  6d.  For  this  and  other  club  benefits,  a  fee, 
usually  about  los.  6d.  per  annum,  ($2.60)  is  charged,  the  entrance 
fee  varying  from  2s.  6d.  to  £1  is.  Most  of  the  clubs  are  affiliated  to 
the  Amateur  Swimming  Association,  and  only  amateurs  may  belong 
to  them.  The  accepted  definition  of  an  amateur  is  as  follows:  "An 
amateur  is  one  who  has  never  competed  for  a  money  prize,  declared 
wager,  or  staked  bet;  who  has  never  taught,  pursued  or  assisted  in 
the  practice  of  swimming  or  any  other  athletic  exercise  as  a  means 
of  pecuniary  gain,  and  who  has  not  knowingly  or  without  protest 
taken  part  in  any  competition  or  exhibition  with  anyone  who  is  not 
an  amateur."  A  swimmer  ceases  to  be  an  amateur  and  becomes  a 
professional  by 

"(a)  Engaging  in  swimming  or  any  other  athletic  exercise  —  or 
personally  teaching,  training  or  coaching  any  other  person  therein  — 
for  pecuniary  gain. 

"  (b)  Selling,  realizing  upon,  or  otherwise  turning  into  cash  any 
prize  won  by  him. 

"(c)  Accepting  remuneration  for  swimming  in  public,  or  by 
being  employed  for  money  or  wages  in  a  swimming  bath  or  else- 
where as  an  attendant  on  swimmers." 

NOVICE. 

A  novice  is  one  who  at  the  time  of  competing  has  never  won  a 
prize  in  a  similar  class  of  open  competition,  /.  e.,  winning  a  prize  for 
plunging,  object  diving,  etc.,  or  in  any  other  branch  of  sport,  will  not 
disqualify  the  winner  from  competing  as  a  novice  in  a  swimming  race 
proper,  or  vice  versa.  This  rule  does  not  apply  to  prizes  won  at 
school. 

Honorary  members  are  admitted  on  different  conditions,  but  are 
usually  not  allowed  to  vote,  though  given  all  other  club  privileges. 


•62  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

OTTER    Clil'B. 

Subscribing  members  liave  to  be  proposed  and  seconded  by  club 
members.  A  ballot  is  taken  at  the  next  committee  meeting,  and  a 
small  minority  can  exclude,  in  one  club  one  black  ball  in  four,  in 
another  one  in  hvc.  The  management  of  the  club  is  usually  vested  in 
a  President,  one  or  more  Vice-Presidents,  Treasurer,  Secretary,  a 
Committee  of  about  ten  members  and  a  Captain.  All  but  the  last  are 
always  elected  annually,  though  usually  eligible  for  re-election.  The 
Captain  is  sometimes  elected,  sometimes  (as  in  the  Otter  S.  C, 
London),  the  captaincy  is  swum  for  in  open  water,  the  time  and  place 
being  chosen  by  the  Committee,  and  the  distance  being  i.ooo  yards. 
The  votes  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  in  one  club,  or  in  some  cases 
of  the  Committee  alone,  though  then  with  the  right  of  appeal,  can 
expel  a  member  for  ungentlemanly  behavior. 

SPLASH    AND    NEATNESS  — CROCODlliE    RACE. 

Prizes  are  offered  by  the  clubs  for  proficiency  in  swimming, 
diving,  etc.,  and  the  annual  entertainment  is  frequently  a  very  brilliant 
afifair.  Bootle  held  two  such  contests  last  year,  one  club  getting  the 
Mayor  to  preside.  The  other  festival  was  held  by  the  boys  from  the 
schools,  who  paid  for  the  use  of  the  baths.  The  Otter  Swimming 
Club  held  its  annual  entertainment  on  October  i,  1895,  at  the  St. 
George's,  Buckingham  Palace  Road,  baths.  The  programme  in- 
cluded.inter-club  high  diving,  limited  to  three  entries  from  each  club. 
Points  were  given  for  correctness  of  position  on  the  board,  neatness 
of  take-off,  of  position  in  the  air,  and  of  entering  the  water,  avoidance 
of  splash  and  neatness  of  coming  to  the  surface.  Each  competitor 
was  allowed  two  dives,  and  the  highest  aggregate  won.  Two  prizes 
were  given.  The  next  event  was  a  360  yards  (12  lengths)  team  race. 
Each  man  of  each  team  swam  sixty  yards;  the  second  stated  when  the 
first  had  finished,  the  third  waited  until  the  second  fitiished,  and  so 
on;  the  team  whose  si.x  men  completed  the  360  yards  first  won  the 
race,  and  each  man  received  a  prize  of  a  silver-mounted  paper  knife. 
Four  prizes  were  offered  for  a  ninety  yards  invitation  and  club  handi- 
cap. There  were  six  men  in  each  of  six  heats,  the  final  being  swum 
by  the  first  in  each  heat.  A  prize  of  a  silver  cigarette  and  match-box 
case  was  offered  to  the  wiiuicr  of  a  tliirty  yards  clothes  linndicap. 


TiiK  Swi.\i.Mi.\<;    Haiii   as   Kkcukatiox.  03 

Following  this  was  a  display  of  diving,  ornamental  and  trick  swim- 
ming by  two  members  of  the  club  who  were  pupils  of  the  instructor. 
Then  came  a  sixty  yards  hurdle  handicap  in  three  heats,  for  which 
three  prizes  were  offered.  The  next  event  was  a  life-saving  demon- 
stration, under  the  directorship  of  Mr.  (Jeorge  J.  Strickland  (Otter 
S.  C.  and  Life  Saving  Society).  The  demonstrators  were  teams  of 
members  of  the  London  Schools  Swimming  Association,  and  all  the 
details  of  release  and  rescue  and  of  resuscitation  were  fully  given.  A 
water  polo  match  between  Cambridge  University  (Past  and  Present) 
and  the  Otter  S.  C.  followed,  and  the  last  event  was  a  sixty  yards 
inter-club  crocodile  race,  tor  which  a  silver  match  box  was  offered  to 
each  of  the  f«Hir  members  of  the  winning  team.  There  were  sixteen 
entries.  Admission  tickets  cost  2s.  (50  cents),  but  admission  at  the 
doors  was  2s.  6d.  (60  cents).  A  charge  of  3d.  (6  cents)  was  made  for 
the  programme. 

These  club  contests  bring  the  swimming  bath  into  popular  favor 
as  a  means  of  recreation,  and  the  attendance  is  greatly  increased. 
Almost  every  provincial  town  has  its  club.  Burnley  in  1894-5  sold 
4,500  club  tickets  in  packages  of  100  each,  at  a  reduction  of  25  per 
cent.  The  Dolphin  Club  was  responsible  for  8,237  of  an  attendance 
of  37,170  at  the  Manchester  Road  Baths  at  Bradford.  Eighteen  clubs 
use  the  Hornsey  Road,  Islington,  baths.  Three  committee  rooms 
are  provided  for  their  benefit,  and  can  be  used  on  special  occasions 
as  dressing-rooms.  Westminster  gives  the  greatest  possible  facilities 
for  clubs,  quite  a  number,  including  several  ladies'  clubs,  making  it 
their  headquarters. 

Some  of  the  clubs  are  formed  of  employes  of  a  single  firm,  the 
employers  figuring  as  presidents  or  patrons.  Thus  the  Blomfield 
House  Swimming  Club,  the  holders  of  the  City  of  London  Bath 
Championship  and  the  Junior  Water  Polo  Championship,  with  head- 
quarters at  the  Westminster  Baths,  is  composed  of  employes  of 
Messrs.  Waterlow  &  Sons,  wholesale  stationers.  The  employes  of 
Messrs.  j\Iaple,  the  furniture  manufacturers  and  dealers,  form  the 
Clarence  S.  C,  and  use  the  Fitzrov  Baths. 


64  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

ladies'  days. 

The  swimming  bath  is  not  yet  so  popular  with  ladies  as  with 
gentlemen.  There  are  several  reasons  for  this.  The  expense  is 
greater,  and  the  incumbrance  of  a  bathing  dress  involves  greater  diffi- 
culty in  learning  to  swim.  The  "ladies'  days"  are  inconvenient  to 
many,  and  some  times  no  evening  hours  are  allotted  to  them,  so  that 
very  little  opportunity  exists  for  practice.  Of  twelve  events  at  the 
Portsmouth  Swimming  Club's  Nineteenth  Annual  Festival,  swum  in 
the  sea  ol¥  South  Parade  Pier,  four  were  for  ladies.  In  a  hundred  yards 
challenge  race  for  the  Connaught  Salt  Water  Challenge  Trophy, 
there  were  only  three  entries,  and  only  two  for  another  trophy,  though 
in  each  case  two  other  prizes  were  offered.  Eleven  entered  for  a 
hundred  yards  open  handicap. 

Many  of  the  new  swimming  baths  afford  a  good  length  for  these 
races.  The*Hornsey  Road  First-class  Baths  are  132  by  40  feet,  with 
a  second-class  bath  100  feet  by  35  feet,  and  a  ladies'  bath  75  feet  by 
35  feet.  The  festivals  give  enjoyment  to  numerous  onlookers,  as 
many  as  2,000  having  been  seated  at  the  Westminster  Baths. 

DIVES.    PATH^VAYS,    RAFTS  — GRAXITE    TOAVER. 

The  little  island  of  Jersey,  with  its  52,000  inhabitants,  30,000  of 
whom  reside  in  the  commercial  town  of  St.  Heliers,  early  felt  the 
need  of  bathing  accommodation.  The  loss  of  life  around  the  rugged 
and  dangerous  coast  was  so  great  that  as  early  as  1865  the  Jersey 
Swimming  Club  was  formed  to  encourage  the  acquisition  of  the  art 
of  swimming.  For  years  this  club  maintained  the  whole  of  the  dives, 
pathways,  rafts,  life-boats  and  other  necessary  appliances,  with  very 
little  assistance  from  the  local  authorities.  The  public  generally 
shared  in  all  these  benefits,  though  not  more  than  one  in  four  who 
availed  themselves  of  the  comforts  provided  by  the  club  contributed 
in  any  way.  The  club  was  incorporated  in  1893  and  obtained  a  lease 
of  the  foreshore  at  La  Collette  for  twenty-one  years  at  a  nominal  rent. 
The  efforts  to  obtain  a  permanent  bathing  place,  more  suitable  to 
ladies  and  available  at  all  states  of  the  tide  —  the  rise  and  fall  is  as 
mucli  as  forty  feet  in  spring  tides  —  were  finally  successful  in  1895, 
when  the  I  lavre-des-Pas  Bathing  Establishment  was  opened.  This 
batliing  pool  is  but  a  short  distance  from  the  shore,  and  is  so  con- 


O,--  THE     * 

•F?SITY 

OF 
'FORNAX 


The  Swimming  1>ath  as  Kecukatio.n.  65 

structed  as  to  be  flushed  at  every  tide,  and  it  is  fitted  with  sluices  for 
cleaning  purposes.  The  sides  of  the  pool,  which  covers  about  three 
acres,  are  mostly  of  solid  rock  blasted  to  slope,  but  here  and  there  a 
strong,  wide  stone  wall  has  had  to  be  built  from  rock  to  rock.  At  the 
shore  side  rises  a  massive  granite  tower,  built  on  solid  rock.  Inside  it 
a  band  stand  and  round  the  inside  of  the  wall  are  built  commodious 
dressing  boxes,  with  lavatories  and  shower  baths  attached.  On  the 
top  of  the  dressing  boxes  is  a  wide  gallery.  There  is  every  possible 
convenience  for  divers,  and  a  shallow  place  for  learners.  In  fact,  it 
is  an  ideal  bathing  place,  and  is  a  credit,  not  only  to  the  club,  but  to 
the  whole  island.  The  pool  is  only  used  by  gentlemen  from  8  to  lo 
a.  m.,  being  reserved  for  ladies  from  6  a.  m.  to  7  p.  m.,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  these  hours,  and  on  Sundays  from  6.30  a.  m.  to  9.30  a.  m. 
Admission  is  free  to  lady  members,  gentlemen  members  paying  id. 
and  non-members  3d.  for  a  single  bath  or  2s.  6d.  for  twelve  tickets. 
Swimming  instruction  is  free  to  members,  but  a  charge  of  3d.  per 
lesson  of  a  quarter  of  an  hour  is  made  to  non-members,  twelve  lessons 
costing  2s.  6d.  Separate  dressing-rooms  are  provided,  with  the  usual 
fittings.  The  bathing  for  the  day  being  over,  the  establishment  lends 
itself  admirably  to  band  promenades  in  the  summer  evenings.  In  the 
winter  the  pool  is  used  for  yacht  sailing.  The  establishment  has 
proved  very  successful,  and  in  1895  £50  of  the  original  cost  was  paid 
off.  The  £3,000  required  was  raised  by  means  of  debentures  bearing 
interest  at  the  rate  of  2^  per  cent,  per  annum.  Some  15,000  persons 
paid  admission  in  the  season  of  1895,  and  there  was  every  reason  to 
anticipate  a  substantial  increase  in  1896. 

liA    COLiIiETTE. 

The  bathing  place  at  La  Collette  is  open  free  and  non-members 
are  allowed  to  the  full  extent  of  the  accommodation  provided.  It  is 
proposed  to  erect  here  a  similar  establishment  to  the  one  at  Havre- 
des-Pas,  at  a  cost  of  £2,000,  which  is  to  be  raised  at  3I  per  cent,  per 
annum,  so  as  to  give  give  gentlemen  the  same  opportunities  now 
provided  for  ladies. 

The  club  now  comprises  135  ladies  and  188  girls  under  sixteen; 
239  gentlemen  and  113  boys  under  sixteen;  57  life  and  3  honorary 
members.    A  total  of  753.  . 

5 


66  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

The  fees  per  annum  are: 

Ladies 8s. 

Girls  (i2  to  16  years  of  age) 6s. 

Girls  (under  12  years  of  age,  including  the  use  of 

the  new  pool) 4s. 

Gentlemen 5s. 

Boys  (under  16  years  of  age) 2s. 

Boys  (under  7  years  of  age,  including  the  use  of 

the  new  pool) 4s. 


Subscriptions  are  payable  in  advance  on  January  i  of  each  year. 

The  club  hold  annual  swimming  matches,  at  which  prizes  are 
given.  Certificates  of  proficiency  in  swimming  are  awarded,  and 
every  efifort  made  to  encourage  this  art,  so  valuable  to  a  water-sur- 
rounded people. 

POLICE. 

In  this  country  the  municipal  provision  of  swimming  pools  is  a 
comparatively  late  institution.  The  need  arose  when  the  rapid 
growth  of  cities  left  no  streams  or  pools  where  the  small  boy  could 
strip  and  bathe  undisturbed  by  the  police.  New  York's  first  floating 
bath  was  opened  in  1870,  and  Philadelphia's  first  bathhouse  in.  1885. 
Chicago  has  had  a  public  swimming  bath  for  the  first  time  this  year, 
but  already  a  second  and  third  are  talked  of.  In  neither  of  these 
cities  is  any  attempt  made  to  heat  the  bath,  which  is  only  kept  open 
during  the  summer  months. 

KO    TOWELS. 

In  Philadelphia  there  arc  six  swimming  baths  in  different  parts 
of  the  city,  and  the  attendants  at  each  are  a  man,  a  woman  and  a 
policeman.  The  baths  are  38  by  107  feet.  They  are  open  from 
6  a.  m.  to  9  p.  m.  week  days  and  from  6  to  9  a.  m.  Sunday.  Women's 
days  are  Alondays  and  Thursdays;  other  days  are  reserved  for  men. 
Tlic  building  is  cleaned  twice  a  week,  and  the  water  in  the  tank 
changed  twice  a  day.  Tiicre  is  always  a  constant  change  of  water, 
as  it  is  running  in  and  out  continually,  the  depth  being  from  three 


The  SwiMMiNc   IJaiii   as  Kkcuka  iion. 


G7 


to  six  feet.  The  pool  is  sometimes  divided  and  warnings  posted  to 
prevent  accidents.  No  towels  are  allowed  to  be  left  at  the  bath,  each 
bather  being  supposed  to  provide  his  own,  though  this  is  rarely  done, 
the  participants  preferring  to  "  dry  off."  Bathing  trunks  are  provided 
at  the  modest  charge  of  three  cents.  It  will  be  noticed  that  of  the 
1,879,662  baths  registered,  only  32,416  were  taken  by  women  and 
girls.  There  were  fully  five  times  as  many  boys  as  men,  and  girls  as 
women. 

The  season  of  1896  lasted  from  June  15  to  September  26.    The 
number  of  bathers  at  the  various  bathhouses  was  as  follows: 


NAME  OF  BVTH  HOUSE.                                Male.          j      Female. 

Total. 

Boach  aud  Laurel  streets |         402,894  |       13,086 

415,980 
174,261 
321,401 
479,333 

68,8.84 
419,803 

EiirJith  and  MiiHin j         170.843           3,418 

Thirty-second  and  Ridjre  avenue |         318,177            3,224 

Twenty-seventh  aud  Master |         472,845            6,488 

Thirty-third  and  South 66, 306           2, 578 

Twelfth  aud  Wharton 416. 181  |         3, 622 

1 

Total 1,847,246  1       32,416      1,879,662 

1                      1 

BATHI\G    POOL. 

The  bathhouses  cost  $8,000  each  to  erect.  The  cost  of  main- 
tenance and  repairs  is  $400  per  year,  and  $600  a  year  superintendent's 
salary.  A  new  bathhouse  has  just  been  erected  at  Second  and  Cum- 
berland streets  at  a  cost  of  $15,102.95.  The  building  is  the  hand- 
somest of  its  kind  in  the  country.  Unlike  those  of  the  other  city 
bathhouses,  the  bathing  pool  is  roofed  over.  The  building  is  con- 
structed of  brick  and  stone  and  the  pool  is  35  by  90  feet.  This  bath- 
house will  be  opened  for  the  first  time  next  year. 

Before  the  opening  of  the  public  bathhouses  for  the  season  of 
1896,  Dr.  Edwin  J.  Houston,  President  of  the  National  Swimming 
Association,  made  an  arrangement  with  Chief  Eisenhower,  of  the 
Bureau  of  City  Property,  to  give  a  lecture  on  swimming  at  each  one 
of  the  various  pools,  at  which  the  members  of  the  N.  S.  A,  would 
assist  him  by  giving  exhibitions  of  the  different  swimming  strokes, 
best  methods  of  saving  life  in  drowning  accidents,  how  to  resuscitate 
the  apparently  drowned,  and  in  other  ways  instruct  and  educate  the 


68  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

boys  in  these  useful  matters.  The  lectures  created  a  great  amount  of 
public  interest.  Boys  who  had  learned  to  swim  had  pointed  out  to 
them  the  most  common  faults  in  swimming;  many  who  knew  nothing 
of  the  art  previously  learned  to  swim.  At  the  conclusion  of  each  of 
the  lectures  referred  to  a  number  of  the  boys  who  displayed  profi- 
ciency in  swimming  were  allowed  to  compete  for  prizes,  given  by  the 
National  Swimming  Association,  comprising  gold,  silver  and  bronze 
medals,  for  the  first,  second  and  third  in  the  final  heat.  Dr.  Houston 
hopes  eventually  to  see  swamming  take  a  place  in  the  educational  cur- 
riculum in  the  schools  of  our  large  cities,  and  to  further  this  end  is. 
trying  to  create  a  strong  public  interest  in  the  sport. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Spray  Bath,  and  Spray  Baths  in  the  Puhlic  Schools. 

The  bathing  estabh'shment  is  now  not  up-to-date  which  has  not 
spray  baths  in  place  of  the  old-fashioned  tub. 

rose:  shower. 

The  original  form  of  the  spray  was  the  old  rose  shower,  which 
was  common  in  the  early  part  of  the  century.  About  1880  a  great 
demand  for  a  cheap  and  quick  form  of  bath  produced  various  im- 
provements in  the  spray  bath.  The  Hemenway  Gymnasium,  at  Har- 
vard University,  contained  a  shower-room  ten  feet  by  twelve  feet, 
with  appliances  for  giving  lateral,  vertical  and  descending  showers. 
In  1883  Mr.  Robert  J.  Roberts,  physical  director  of  the  Boston 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  to  obviate  the  fall  of  water  on 
the  head,  which  was  held  to  be  dangerous,  invented  the  ring-shaped 
rain  shower,  which  has  been  named  after  him.  It  was  first  used  in 
the  Boston  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  Gymnasium,  then 
new. 

SPniNKLBRS. 

In  1889  Dr.  Simon  Baruch,  of  New  York,  in  an  editorial  in  the 
Philadelphia  "  Medical  Times  and  Register,"  urged  the  construction 
of  public  rain  baths  as  a  simple  and  cheap  means  of  bathing  those 
who  had  no  facilities  at  home.  At  the  Social  Science  Convention, 
Saratoga,  in  September,  1890,  Dr.  Baruch  presented  plans  for  rain 
baths  and  described  their  working.  On  his  advice  the  New  York 
Juvenile  Asylum  substituted  for  its  plunge  bath  a  system  of  sixty- 
eight  sprinklers,  twenty  inches  apart,  connected  by  pipes  near  the 
ceiling.  By  this  means  280  children  are  now  bathed  in  one  hour, 
where  formerly  it  was  only  possible  to  bathe  eighty,  and  only  one- 
eighth  of  the  quantity  of  water  is  used. 

In  November,  1890,  Dr.  Baruch  explained  to  the  Association 
for  Improving  the  Condition  of  the  Poor  the  working  of  the  spray 
bath  and  its  adaptation  to  a  public  bathing  establishment.  As  a 
result,  a  building  committee  was  appointed  and  the  People's  Baths 
were  constructed. 


70  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

first-class  tubs. 

In  Germany  private  spray  baths  are  being  introduced  into  all 
the  municipal  bathing  establishments,  and  a  smaller  charge  is  usually 
made  than  for  the  tub  bath.  The  use  of  a  shower  bathroom  is  often 
compulsory  previous  to  entering  the  swimming  bath.  England  has 
not  taken  up  the  system,  though  showers  are  often  placed  as  an 
adjunct  to  first-class  tub  baths,  or  to  swimming  baths. 

The  superiority  of  the  spray  bath  over  the  tub  is  evident  to  any 
one  who  comes  to  the  question  with  an  unprejudiced  mind. 

COAL.    MINKK. 

The  tub  is  extremely  difBcult  to  keep  clean,  needing  special 
preparation  for  each  bather,  and  even  then  skin  diseases  are  some- 
times transmitted.  A  coal  miner  or  engineer  taking  a  tub  bath 
v^^ould  very  soon  soil  the  water  so  that  absolute  cleanliness  would 
become  an  impossibility  without  a  change  of  water. 

With  the  spray  it  is  very  different.  The  bather  soaps  himself 
standing  in  a  rain  of  warm  water  falling  with  some  force,  and  scrubs 
and  cleans  himself  perfectly  in  a  short  time,  the  soiled  water  passing 
away  immediately. 

The  outlay  for  tubs  is  avoided,  as  well  as  the  cost  of  their  wear 
and  tear.  The  cost  of  the  spray  fittings  is  out  of  all  proportion  to 
this  expense. 

The  time  required  is  very  much  less  in  the  spray  bath  than  in 
the  tub  bath,  because  the  mechanical  efifcct  of  the  descending  stream 
aids  the  removal  of  dirt. 

The  economy  of  water  is  enormous,  only  half  the  amount  being 
used,  and  the  economy  of  space  is  almost  as  great. 

The  tonic  effect  of  the  spray  is  very  valuable,  stimulating  the 
skin,  and  thus  providing  protection  against  subsequent  exposure, 
especially  if  the  temperature  of  the  w^ater  is  gradually  lowered. 

LO^V    COST. 

The  low  cost  at  which  the  spray  bath  can  l)e  given  makes  it 
pre-eminently  successful  as  a  popular  batii.  The  People's  Baths 
average  an  expense  of  a  little  over  five  cents  a  bath,  and  in  Germany, 
ov,ing  to  cheaper  labor  and  accommodation  not  being  quite  so  private 


Till';  Si'KAV   I»ATii.  71 

as  here,  the  cost  is  much  lower.  It  is  thought  that  a  bath  double 
the  size  of  the  People's  Baths  would  pay  expenses  at  a  charge  of 
five  cents  per  person.  Where  this  small  fee  was  thought  inadvisable, 
the  expense  to  the  city  would  be  a  comparative  trifle,  compared  to 
that  for  either  tub  or  swimming  baths. 

The  basements  of  our  public  schools,  which  arc,  in  many  cases, 
very  little  used,  are  peculiarly  fitted  for  the  establishment  of  spray 
baths  for  the  school  children.  Where  the  basement  is  used  as  a  play- 
ground, a  roof  garden  playground  might  be  substituted,  and  so  a 
double  advantage  secured. 

UNWASHED    CHILDREN. 

The  credit  of  the  initiation  of  this  movement  belongs  to  Gottin- 
gen,  a  city  of  21,000  inhabitants,  in  Hanover,  Germany.  A  great 
reform  had  been  made  in  school  affairs,  giving  the  most  approved 
methods  of  heating  and  ventilation  in  large,  hygienically-constructed 
buildings.  But  the  thought  came,  of  what  avail  were  all  these  hy- 
gienic arrangements  if  to  these  buildings  were  admitted  dirty  chil- 
dren, with  all  kinds  of  infectious  germs?  Considering  the  matter,  the 
almost  complete  lack  of  bathing  facilities  for  the  scholars,  and  espe- 
cially for  the  girls,  was  spoken  of.  Except  during  the  open  bathing 
time  during  the  summer  months,  by  far  the  greater  portion  of  the 
children  went  unwashed,  except  for  face  and  hands,  and  especially 
was  this  the  case  with  those  above  the  age  of  ten.  Indeed,  a  subse- 
quent census  of  a  higher  grade  school  in  Gottingen,  containing  860 
scholars,  showed  that  only  145,  or  17  per  cent.,  were  bathed  in  tubs 
at  home,  these  being  mostly  the  younger  children,  while  i  per  cent, 
of  the  others  bathed  at  private  establishments.  The  remaining  700 
children  were  practically  without  the  means  of  obtaining  a  full  bath 
from  one  year's  end  to  another. 

The  basements  of  the  schools  were  empty,  there  was  a  good 
water  supply  and  drainage,  all  necessary  arrangements  for  heating 
and  excellent  janitors.  A  consultation  with  the  city  architect  proved 
its  practical)ility  at  an  estimated  expense  of  $166.60  for  one  school. 
The  common  council  granted  $238  for  the  purpose.  The  cost,  exclu- 
sive of  building  alterations,  as  asphalting  and  drainage  channels,  was: 


72  Mayou's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

Reservoir,  with  fittings $6i  88 

Furnace 40  46 

Water  pipes,  douches 71  40 

,        Tubs  and  fittings 11  90 

Total $185  64 


A  room  sixteen  feet  ten  inches  by  eight  feet  three  inches  vvas 
fitted  up  as  a  bathing-room  and  another  of  the  same  size  as  a  dressing- 
room.  Both  rooms  have  asphalt  floors,  which  are  laid  where  neces- 
sary with  wooden  bath  mats  or  cocoa  matting.  The  walls  of  the 
bathroom  are  cemented.  There  are  three  douches,  with  shallow  tubs 
of  five  feet  two  inches  in  diameter  underneath.  The  water  is  kept 
at  a  temperature  of  84  to  86  degrees  Fahrenheit,  and  may  be  used  on 
very  hot  days  as  cool  as  75  or  yj  degrees  Fahrenheit.  About  5,000 
gallons  of  water  are  used  for  seventy  children. 

FEW    CHILDREN. 

The  baths  were  ready  for  use  early  in  1885.  No  compulsion  was 
used,  and  at  first  only  a  few  children  went  down,  but  after  two 
months  about  75  per  cent,  took  part  in  the  bathing.  Each  scholar 
who  wishes  receives  a  bath  once  a  fortnight,  on  one  of  the  four  full 
days  during  the  time  school  is  open.  The  class  which  bathes  studies 
some  lesson  which  does  not  require  the  presence  of  the  whole  class. 
From  six  to  nine  children,  according  to  size,  go  down  at  once,  and 
when  they  have  had  time  to  undress,  a  second  set  are  sent  down. 
The  first  set  step  under  the  douches,  two  or  three  under  each  douche, 
and  when  they  have  bathed  the  others  are  ready  to  take  their  places. 
Thus  the  douches  are  kept  in  use,  and  the  time  occupied  is  compara- 
tively small,  a  class  of  fifty-one  boys  bathing  in  fifty  minutes.  Girls 
and  younger  children  take  rather  longer.  The  disturbance  of  lessons 
is  not  so  great  as  was  feared.  Only  a  few  children  are  absent  at  any 
one  time  and  these  can  be  easily  controlled  —  the  boys  by  the  janitor, 
the  girls  and  younger  children  by  the  janitress.  The  latter  under- 
took to  assist  the  little  ones,  who  stood  sadly  in  need  of  such  help. 

A  towel  is  brought  by  each  bather,  whilst  bathing  caps  and  petti- 
coats were  supplied  to  the  larger  girls. 


TllK    SlKAV     liATII.  73 

Precaution  is  taken  to  avoid  cold  immediately  after  bathing. 
The  children  go  back  to  warmed  classrooms  and  cool  off  gradually, 
bathing  not  being  allowed  half  an  liour  before  school  closes. 

aUICKNESS    AXD    WILLI XGXKSS. 

"  The  quickness  and  willingness  to  learn  after  loathing,  the  edu- 
cation of  the  sense  of  cleanliness,  the  furtlicrance  of  the  health  of  the 
children,  are  such  important  and  real  results  of  the  arrangement," 
says  School  Director  Personn,  "  that  I  cannot  but  express  to  the  city 
authorities  the  wish  that,  if  possible,  similar  bathing  establishments 
might  be  introduced  into  the  other  public  schools." 

Already  it  had  been  found  that  parents  sent  cleaner  and  tidier 
children  to  the  handsome  new  school  buildings;  now  their  pride  made 
them  anxious  tliat  neither  the  janitress  nor  their  fellow  scholars 
should  see  ragged  or  dirty  underclothing.  There  are  few  families 
so  lost  to  all  better  feelings  that  this  has  no  effect,  and  in  those  where 
drink  has  driven  the  sense  of  honor  away,  charity  must  give  clothes 
to  the  poor  children. 

Up  to  date  about  forty  cities  have  followed  Gottingen's  example, 
at  a  cost  for  water  of  one-quarter  of  a  cent  in  Germany  and  one-fifth 
of  a  cent  in  Switzerland. 

The  city  of  Posen  erected  a  spray  bath  in  the  basement  of  the 
third  public  school  is  1894.  Dressing  acconmiodation  was  provided 
for  sixty  scholars.  Nine  sprays  were  provided,  and  it  was  estimated, 
from  the  experience  of  Carlsruhe,  that  each  spray  could  be  used  five 
times  in  an  hour,  and  that  it  would  be  possible  to  bathe  from  two  to 
four  children  at  a  time  under  each  spray.  Thus  an  hour  would  be 
ample  for  each  class.  As  the  school  contained  1,500  scholars,  fifteen 
hours  would  suffice  to  bathe  the  whole  number. 

OXE    BATH    A    WEEK. 

Estimating  one  bath  per  week  to  each  scholar,  there  would  be 
an  annual  expense  of  about  800  M.  ($190)  for  the  necessary  water  and 
gas,  and  for  heating  and  lighting  in  the  winter  months.  The  use  of 
gas  for  heating  the  water  had  proved  very  successful  in  other  cities, 
obviating  the  necessity  of  an  engineer  to  look  after  the  fires.  There 
would  be  no  other  expenses,  as  the  teachers  could  supervise  the  work 
of  bathing  their  children. 


74  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Pup.lk;  Baths. 

Tlie  cost  of  introduction  of  these  baths  in  pubhc  schools  is  in- 
considerable in  view  of  their  h}gienic  importance. 

Posen  estimated  the  initial  expense  as  follows: 

Alterations  to  building ^7(^3 

Fixing  gas  and  water  i)i])es 428 

Fittings  for  bath 333 

Total $1,524 


A  Munich  school  bath,  having  sixteen  separate  bathing  cabins, 
placed  in  a  room  with  two  communicating  open  dressing-rooms,  has 
been  found  equal  to  affording  a  bath  a  week  to  1,664  children.  The 
bath  fixtures,  etc.,  in  this  case  were  put  in  at  a  cost  of  $450. 

ADOLPH    STRASSE. 

Altona  intends  to  place  spray  baths  in  all  its  public  schools.  One 
has  already  been  erected  as  an  experiment,  in  the  Adolph  Strasse 
school.  This  school  consists  of  a  center  bviilding  and  two  wings. 
One  wing  contains  a  boys'  school  of  thirteen  classes  with  953  pupils; 
the  other  a  girls'  school  of  thirteen  classes  with  938  pupils.  The  spray 
is  situated  in  the  center  building. 

Stuttgart  has  lately  introduced  the  baths  in  two  of  its  public 
schools.  There  are  seventeen  sprays  in  the  Roman  school,  and  dress- 
ing accommodations  for  fifty-one  scliolars.  Thirteen  sprays  are  pro- 
vided in  the  Jacob  school. 

The  city  of  Brunswick  has  also  lately  introduced  spray  batlis 
into  some  of  its  high  schools,  and  they  have  proved  very  beneficial. 

BOSTON    PUBLIC    SCHOOLS. 

The  proposal  to  introduce  spray  baths  into  a  Rosttm  public 
school  first  came  up  in  the  early  part  of  this  year.  A  plan  was 
sketched  by  Dr.  Hartwell,  director  of  physical  training  in  the  Boston 
public  schools,  for  bath  and  dressing-rooms  in  the  new  Paul  Revere 
schoolhouse  at  the  North  End,  and  in  another  new  school  at  the 
West  End.  Dr.  Hartwell's  plan  was  used  as  a  basis  for  securing 
estimates  for  cost  of  plumbing,  asphalting,  etc.    The  ])lan  called  for 


The  Si'KAY  Hath.  75 

a  room  40  by  58  feet,  divided  by  partitions  into  twenty-eight  bathing 
cabins  and  three  dressing-rooms,  placed  at  riglit  angles  to  the  bath- 
rooms and  opening  into  it.  Allowing  each  bather  ten  minutes  in  a 
bathing  cabin,  and  ten  minutes  in  a  dressing-room  before  and  ten 
minutes  after  entering  the  bathroom,  104  children,  or  two  school 
classes,  could  be  bathed  in  an  hour,  and  2,000  children  in  a  week, 
providing  the  bathing  cabins  are  kept  occupied.  With  tlie  asphalt 
floors,  granolithic  partitions,  "Gegenstrom  "  bath  fixtures  and  rubber 
curtains  on  brass  rods  in  front  of  each  dressing  cabin,  the  estimated 
cost  of  fitting  up  the  bath  and  dressing-rooms  would  be  $2,600. 

Lfc:UAI.    QUESTIONS. 

The  School  Board  on  May  12  referred  the  matter  to  the  Com- 
mittee on  Schoolhouses,  who  reported  on  September  22  unfavorably. 
Their  objections  in  part  were:  "  Your  Committee  hesitate  to  take  the 
position  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  school  authorities  to  bathe  the  chil- 
dren in  the  public  schools  because  they  may  not  be  clean,  for  if  this 
be  granted,  we  see  no  reason  why  we  should  not  clothe  them  if  they 
be  improperly  clothed,  or  feed  them  if  not  properly  nourished  at 
home.  But,  outside  of  the  legal  questions  involved,  your  Committee 
do  not  believe  that  it  is  in  the  interest  of  public  health  to  place  these 
washhouses  in  the  basements  of  our  public  school  buildings,  to  there 
accumulate  the  uncleanliness  which  may  be  brought  in  on  the  bodies 
of  the  children.  More  or  less  of  foul  odors  must  necessarily  come 
from  this  practice,  and  your  Committee  feel  that  the  suggestion  that 
eventually  these  washhouses  be  used  for  the  general  public  is  not  in 
the  interest  of  proper  sanitation." 

To  this  a  member  replied  that,  "  One  would  infer  that  tlie  new 
Paul  Revere  schoolhouse  was  not  to  be  connected  with  the  sewer  at 
all.     One  w^ould  think  that  the  accumulation  of  filth  was  to  be  kept 

there  in  the  building It  is  perfectly  absurd  to  say  that  it  is 

impossible  in  the  basement  of  a  public  school  building,  built  as  you 
have  to  build  them  in  that  section  of  the  city,  that  a  bathhouse  cannot 
be  provided  from  which  no  odor  whatever  can  arise.  If  we  must 
have  foul  odors,  let  us  have  them  in  the  basement  and  not  in  the 
schoolroom.  It  is  not  a  washhouse  at  all,  by  the  way,  but  simply 
bathing-  facilities  in  the  basement  of  a  school  building." 


TO  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

The  matter  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Hygiene,  who  re- 
ported in  favor  of  the  baths  on  October  13.  A  long  discussion  was 
chiefly  devoted  to  the  question  of  the  expediency  of  the  introduction 
of  baths.  It  was  said  that  the  Board  had  been  at  work  trying  to  put 
in  proper  ventilating  apparatus  in  the  schools  to  do  away  with  unclean 
odors,  in  one  school  spending  $4,500  for  this  purpose;  but  they  could 
not  get  rid  of  the  odors.  The  order  to  provide  bathing  accommoda- 
tion in  the  Paul  Revere  schoolhouse  was  passed  by  a  vote  of  11  to  8. 

SIPT.    SNYDER. 

In  this  city  the  advisability  of  providing  baths  in  school  base- 
ments was  mooted  in  the  preliminary  report  of  the  Sub-Committee 
on  Public  Baths  and  Public  Comfort  Stations.  Mr.  C.  B.  J.  Snyder, 
Superintendent  of  School  Buildings,  has  planned  to  leave  room  in 
the  basement  of  a  new  East  Side  school  for  which  ground  has  been 
condemned,  but  no  further  move  has  been  made  in  the  matter. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Municipal  Baths  in  America. 

YON  KICKS. 

The  first  city  in  the  United  States  to  establish  a  municipal  bath,, 
supplied  with  hot  and  cold  water  and  open  all  the  year  round,  was 
Yonkers.  This  city  raised  a  fund  of  $20,000  and  a  site  was  purchased. 
Plans  were  prepared  for  a  floating  bath  on  this  site,  but  by  reason  of 
tlie  hig-li  cost  of  this  style  of  bath  and  the  necessary  expenses  of 
dredging,  approaches,  main  entrances,  etc.,  the  funds  on  hand  were 
not  sufificient  to  carry  them  out.  The  fact  that  the  bath  could  be  used 
but  a  few  months  each  year,  together  with  the  increasing  pollution  of 
the  river  with  sewage,  also  had  considerable  weight  with  the  Com- 
mittee and  the  plan  was  finally  abandoned. 

S.    L.    COOPER. 

About  this  time  a  gentleman  from  Yonkers  saw  the  People's 
Baths  and  induced  the  Committee  and  Mr.  Cooper,  Commissioner 
of  Public  Works,  to  pay  them  a  visit.  The  new  baths  opened  on 
Labor  Day  are  modeled  after  the  People's  Baths  and  are  25  by  53 
feet.  They  were  designed  by  Hon.  S.  L.  Cooper,  Commissioner  of 
Public  Works.  The  front  is  of  cream-tinted  pressed  brick  and  the 
trimmings  of  Tuckahoe  marble.  The  main  portion  of  the  building 
has  only  one  story  with  a  high  basement.  The  inside  walls,  iron 
work,  etc.,  are  painted  in  white  enamel,  so  as  to  be  easil}^  washed  out 
with  a  hose.  At  the  front,  separated  from  the  baths,  is  the  office,  with 
waiting-rooms  for  men  and  women.  The  janitor's  apartments  are  on 
the  top  floor.  The  outer  walls  are  hollow,  and  there  are  two  large 
ventilating  skylights.  The  floor  of  the  bathroom  is  laid  with  grano- 
lithic material  on  heavy  beams.  The  boiler,  which  is  to  furnish  the 
hot  water  and  also  the  heat  in  winter,  is  in  the  basement  in  the  rear. 
There  are  thirteen  shower  baths  and  one  tub  bath  for  men,  and  seven 
shower  baths  and  one  tub  for  women.  The  shower  baths  are  divided 
into  dressing  and  bathroom,  each  about  four  feet  square.    The  cost 


78  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Batds. 

was:  Land,  $2,000;  building  and  equipment,  $9,400;  total,  $11,400. 
Five  cents  is  charged  for  towel  and  soap,  and  twenty  minutes  is 
allowed  to  each  bather. 

Up  to  the  present  time  the  bath  has  been  well  patronized  and 
has  proved  a  complete  success.  It  is  proposed  to  build  a  second  bath 
next  year, 

BUFFALO. 

Buffalo  has  erected  spray  baths,  which  were  opened  on  New 
Year's  Day,  1897.  The  building  is  68  feet  long  and  30  feet  wide.  The 
principal  part  of  the  structure  is  only  one  story  high,  but  the  front 
part  is  two  stories,  and  contains  the  living  apartments  of  the  bath 
attendants.  There  are  fourteen  separate  shower  baths  and  six  shower 
baths  in  one  large  compartment,  these  latter  showers  being  intended 
for  the  use  of  children.  Besides  these  there  is  a  bathtub,  which  can 
be  used  by  mothers  bringing  children  too  small  to  bathe  under  the 
showers.  A  washroom  containing  three  laundry  tubs  and  a  drying 
closet,  heated  with  steam  coils  and  connected  with  a  vent  shaft,  is  a 
part  of  the  arrangement.  There  is  also  a  waiting-room  and  an  office 
from  which  towels  and  soap  are  issued.  The  soap  used  is  powdered, 
and  only  enough  for  one  bath  is  issued  to  each  person.  The  exterior 
of  the  building  is  of  very  hard  clinker  brick  and  Medina  sandstone. 
Owing  to  the  limited  amount  ($8,000)  appropriated  for  the  purpose, 
it  was  found  necessary  to  exercise  the  strictest  economy  in  designing 
the  building. 

BATHS    FREE. 

This  bath  is  entirely  free,  no  charge  being  made  for  soap  or  use 
of  towels.  It  is  estimated  that  about  sixty  baths  an  hour  can  be  given 
in  the  building.  The  interior  of  the  bathing  apartment  has  no  plaster, 
the  walls  being  all  of  brick,  the  floors  of  concrete,  and  the  ceilings  of 
timber.  The  partitions  of  the  baths  are  of  slate,  carried  by  iron  fram- 
ing. The  part  of  the  building  containing  the  bathing  apartments  is 
lighted  and  ventilated  by  overhead  skylights.  The  bathhouse  is 
heated  by  steam  and  fitted  with  automatic  apparatus,  so  that  hot 
water  is  supplied  to  the  showers  at  all  times  at  a  uniform  temperature, 
wliirli  ran  never  be  so  hot  as  to  scald  the  bather. 


MuNicii'Ai.   llAiiis  IN  America.  70 

DUNKIRK. 

This  little  place,  with  only  10,000  population,  intends  to  have  a 
bathing-  establishment.  It  is  proposed  to  have  twelve  spray  baths. 
The  movement,  initiated  by  the  local  Young  Men's  Christian  Asso- 
ciation, has  been  endorsed  by  the  Common  Council,  and  the  baths 
will  be  proceeded  with  at  once. 

BOSTOX. 

Free  warm  baths  were  opened  at  the  Charlesbank  Gymnasium 
recentlv  and  have  been  highly  appreciated.  So  great  is  the  need  of  a 
warm  bath  that  visitors  come  from  all  over  the  city  and  from  Cam- 
bridge and  Medford,  and  more  or  less  from  all  the  surrounding  towns. 
One  day  174  people  used  the  baths,  and  usually  there  are  a  great 
many  visitors  every  pleasant  day.  Small  cakes  of  soap  cost  tw-o  cents, 
and  towels  are  supplied  free  of  charge,  whether  the  visitor  buys  soap 
or  not.  Some  people  go  regularly  twice  a  w'eek  and  there  are  new- 
comers about  every  day. 

The  Charlesbank  Gymnasium  w^as  the  first  open-air  gymnasium 
in  the  w^orld  and  is  supported  by  the  city,  though  run  by  the  IMassa- 
chusetts  Emergency  and  Hygiene  Association. 

In  June,  1896,  $65,000  was  appropriated  for  a  new  bathhouse,  to 
be  open  all  the  year  round. 

Mayor  Ouincy  appointed  a  Bath  Committee,  consisting  of  Mr. 
R.  G.  Woods,  Mr.  E.  Billings,  Prof.  E.  M.  Hartwell,  physical  director 
of  the  schools,  Mrs.  M.  M.  Kehew%  Miss  Pingree,  Mr.  M.  W.  Myers 
and  Councilman  Ryan. 

A  site  has  been  chosen  on  Dover  street,  near  the  corner  of  Har- 
rison avenue.  The  plan  calls  for  a  building  43  by  1 10  feet.  On  the 
first  tioor  are  separate  waiting-rooms  for  men  and  women,  together 
with  laundry  and  engine-rooms  in  the  rear.  On  the  second  floor  are 
separate  bathrooms  for  men  and  for  women.  In  the  front  part  of 
the  building  there  is  a  third  floor  containing  an  apartment  for  the 
manager  of  the  baths  and  his  family. 

There  will  be  fifty  baths,  including  seventeen  for  women,  giving 
thus  capacity  for  bathing  150  people  per  hour.  The  steam  supply 
for  all  purposes  in  the  building  is  to  be  furnished  from  the  boiler- 
room  of  the  fire  department  repair  shop,  situated  just  at  the  rear  of 
the  bathhouse  lot. 


80  Mayor's  foMMiTricE  on  Piklk"  Baths. 

BROOKLINE,    MASS.— SPE^CIAL.    NEE^DS. 

Massachusetts  provides  by  statute  for  the  erection  and  main- 
tenance by  towns  or  cities  of  pubhc  baths,  which  may  be  wholly  or 
partly  self-supporting.  Brookline  took  advantage  of  this  and  ap- 
pointed on  April  1 1,  1895,  a  committee  to  examine  the  subject.  The 
committee  not  only  considered  the  special  needs  of  the  town,  but 
made  a  thorough  investigation  of  several  of  the  best  bathing  estab- 
lishments in  this  country  and  abroad,  and  afterwards  selected  a  loca- 
tion and  prepared  plans.  In  a  population  of  16,000  there  are  many 
persons  who  do  not  have  access  to  bathrooms  in  the  houses  in  which 
they  live,  and  there  was  not  in  Brookline,  as  is  the  case  in  larger 
cities,  any  bathing  establishment,  public  or  private,  where  they  could 
obtain  warm  baths.  Nor  was  there  any  good  open  air  bathing.  The 
little  swimming  bath  on  Boylston  street,  in  the  brook,  in  1895  was 
less  used  than  in  any  previous  season,  owing,  among  other  causes  of 
dissatisfaction,  to  the  bad  condition  of  the  water  and  the  muddy 
bottom,  and  not  a  dozen  boys  learned  to  swim.  The  accommoda- 
tions, too,  are  very  inadequate  to  the  needs  of  the  population. 

DOLPHINS. 

The  location  of  the  new  baths  is  the  center  of  population  of  the 
town,  close  to  its  principal  playground  and  its  new  high  school.  The 
building  is  a  handsome,  well-lighted,  well-ventilated  T-shaped  build- 
ing, covering  8,000  square  feet.  It  is  of  brick  with  Roxbury  stone 
foundations.  Above  the  main  entrance,  chiseled  into  a  large  stone 
table  supported  by  dolphins,  are  the  words,  "  Brookline  Public  Baths. 
The  Health  of  the  People  the  Beginning  of  Happiness." 

To  cater  to  those  people  who  cannot  or  will  not  see  the  advan- 
tages of  the  shower  bath,  a  few  slipper  baths  are  provided,  there  being 
fifteen  rain  baths  and  three  slipper  baths.  The  sides  of  the  rain  baths 
are  to  be  lined  with  marble,  and  eacli  bath  is  to  have  a  dressing-room. 

DR.    E.    M.    HARTWBIiL. 

The  swimming  bath  is  80  by  26  feet,  the  depth  of  the  water  varying 
from  three  to  six  feet.  Fifty  dressing-rooms  with  granolithic  floors, 
and  fitted  with  lock  and  key,  are  located  around  three  sides.  They 
are  entered  from  the  outside  corridor,  so  that  the  walk  around  the 


Deptford  (London),  Public  Baths,  Wash-houses  and  Ivlunicipal  Buildings 
under  the  same  roof.  This  combination  enables  each  department  to  effect  a 
saving  in  initial  cost. 


Shoreditch  (London),  Public  Bath  hou<:es  and  a  Public  Library  under  the 
same  roof.     Estimated  cost,   $150,000 


Opening  Exercises  of  the  Public  Baths  at  Essex  Road,  Islington  (Lon- 
don). The  dedication  of  public  baths  is  an  occasion  of  civic  innportance, 
instanced  by  the  presence  of  the  Rt.  Hon  George  John  Shaw  Lefevre,  M.P  , 
President  oi  the  Local  Government  Board  ;  Mr.  Cohen,  M  P.  for  East  Isling- 
ton, and  Sir  Albert  K.  Rollit,  M.P.  for  South  Islington 


^         \ 


CHfcN    Lani 


The  Ground  Flan  of  the  latest  Public  Bath  for  Birmingham  England. 
Note  that  the  building  will  contain  a  branch  of  the  Public  Library.  This  city 
now   operates  five  other  baths. 


• '  I  ^  rj  .\ 


OF 


Mr.NicirAi.  Katiis  in  A.mkkica.  Si 

swimming;  tank,  and  the  water  itself  arc  kept  clear  of  mud  and  dirt. 
The  bath  itself  has  a  bottom  of  adamantine  mosaic,  the  sides  being 
lined  with  English  white-glazed  brick.  A  gallery  for  spectators  runs 
all  around  the  swimming  bath  over  the  dressing-rooms.  In  addition 
there  is  a  steam  laundry  for  the  towels  and  tights,  toilet-rooms,  and  a 
room  about  ninety  by  thirty  feet  upstairs  that  may  be  fitted  up  later  as 
a  gymnasium.  A  special  feature  found  in  two  of  the  best  and  most 
recently  completed  bathing  establishments  of  Europe  (at  Stuttgart 
and  Hamburg)  is  the  addition  of  a  passageway  in  rear  of  the  dressing- 
rooms  that  surround  the  swimming  tanks,  as  well  as  in  front  of  them. 
This  feature  has  the  hearty  approval  of  Dr.  E.  M.  Hartwell,  Director 
of  Physical  Training  in  Boston  Public  Schools,  and  has  obvious  ad- 
vantages, not  only  in  convenience,  but  in  keeping  clean  the  passage- 
way around  the  swimming  tanks  and  consequently  the  water,  a  most 
important  point,  while  also  securing  better  ventilation  for  the  dress- 
ing-rooms, and  better  order  among  the  bathers. 

A  smaller  swimming  tank,  twenty-two  feet  by  ten  feet,  is  pro- 
vided for  swimming  when  the  larger  bath  is  empty  or  floored  over. 
The  walls  and  ceilings  throughout  the  building  are  plastered;  the 
trusses  supporting  the  roof  over  the  swimming  bath  are  to  be  of 
hard  pine  planed.  Very  large  skylights  in  the  roof,  windows  on  the 
end  gable  and  in  the  gallery  will  furnish  an  abundance  of  light  and 
air;  provision  for  electric  and  gas  lighting  is  also  made. 

The  water,  constantly  changing,  is  from  driven  wells,  and  is 
heated  by  steam  as  it  enters,  the  temperature  being  equalized  and 
sustained  by  artificial  means.  The  surface  will  be  constantly  swept 
by  a  superficial  current  of  fresh  water  from  one  end  of  the  tank,  thus 
removing  any  floating  impurities. 

The  cost  of  the  building,  exclusive  of  land,  was  $40,000,  voted 
by  the  town.  The  bath  was  opened  on  New  Year's  Day,  1897,  and 
systematic  instruction  in  swimming  will  be  given  to  the  3,000  school 
children  of  the  town.  The  annual  expenses  for  maintenance  are 
estimated  at  from  $4,500  to  $5,000,  to  be  largely  offset,  probably,  by 
fees  for  use. 

6 


82  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

philadelphia. 

An  association  was  chartered  in  March,  1895,  as  the  Public 
Baths  Association  of  Philadelphia.  A  lot  of  60  by  40  feet,  at  the 
southeast  corner  of  Berlin  and  Gaskill  streets,  in  the  heart  of  Phila- 
delphia's poorest  district,  has  been  purchased  at  a  cost  of  $5,750,  and 
plans  for  the  first  building  are  complete.  Some  of  the  features  are 
taken  directly  from  the  People's  Baths  of  New  York,  some  from  those 
in  London.  While  the  proposed  building  is  to  be  nearly  twice  as 
large  as  the  People's  Baths  of  New  York,  the  cost  of  its  construction 
will  be  about  the  same,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the  large  accommoda- 
tions —  1,000  baths  per  day  —  will  make  the  receipts  nearly  equal  to 
the  running  expenses. 

The  first  story  of  the  Gaskill  Street  Baths  will  be  devoted  to 
men,  the  second  to  women;  each  has  a  separate  entrance  and  waiting- 
room,  both  the  entrances  being  overlooked  by  a  common  ofitice.  The 
interior  is  to  be  of  glazed  brick,  iron,  ground  glass  and  concrete. 

STEAM    DRYERS. 

Connected  with  this  institution  there  will  be  a  public  laundry 
where,  for  a  small  sum,  separate  washtubs,  steam  dryers,  mangles  and 
ironing  tables,  may  be  hired  by  women  who  have  no  place  in  their 
contracted  rooms  to  do  their  family  washing.  The  towels  from  the 
bathhouse  will  also  be  washed  here.  A  high  basement  is  utilized  for 
this  purpose.    Accommodations  for  ten  workers  will  be  provided. 

There  are  to  be  fifty-seven  rain  bathrooms,  more  than  half  being 
for  men.  Five  tubs  will  be  provided  for  the  use  of  children  and 
women  who  may  not  care  to  use  the  shower  bath.  This  should  give 
a  capacity  of  more  than  1,000  baths  per  day. 

The  building  will  cost  not  less  than  $29,000,  exclusive  of  the  cost 
of  the  ground.  The  Association  has  on  hand,  after  paying  for  the 
land,  the  sum  of  $3,643.70,  and  provisional  promises  conditioned  on 
the  raising  of  the  full  sum  needed  of  a  considerably  larger  amount. 

CHICAGO— CITY   COUNCIL. 

The  Municii)al  Order  League  of  Chicago  urged  the  adoption  of 
a  system  of  public  baths,  and  a  connnittee  was  appointed,  consisting 
of  Dr.  Gertrude  Gail  Wellington,  Dr.  Julia  Lowe  and  Dr.  Sarah 


MiMcirAi.  I?ATHs  IN  Amkuica.  83 

Hackett  Stevtiison.  In  March,  1893,  an  appropriation  of  $12,000 
was  secured  from  the  finance  Committee  of  the  City  Council,  and 
the  "  Carter  H.  Harrison  l'>ath  "  was  opened  in  the  following  January. 
It  is  a  handsome  structure  of  pressed  brick  and  brown  stone,  25  feet 
wide  by  no  feet  deep.  In  the  basement  are  the  laundry  and  two 
furnaces,  one  for  heating-  the  building,  the  other  for  heating  water 
for  tlie  baths.  In  the  front  of  the  main  floor  is  a  waiting-room 
sixteen  feet  square,  seating  forty  people.  Beyond  this  are  the  bath- 
rooms, with  necessary  toilet  accommodations.  There  are  sixteen 
shower  and  two  tub  baths,  and  a  plunge  twenty  by  thirty  feet.  This 
last  has  not  been  a  success,  owing  to  its  small  size  and  to  the  aversion 
of  people  to  sharing  so  small  a  body  of  water.  Allowing  twenty-five 
minutes  to  each  bather,  the  capacity  of  the  bath  is  2,600  persons  a 
week.  Two  minutes  are  allowed  for  undressing  after  entering  the 
bathroom,  when  the  water  is  turned  on  for  eight  minutes.  One  min- 
ute's notice  is  given  before  the  water  is  turned  ofif,  to  allow  time  for 
a  rinse-off.    Fifteen  minutes  are  allowed  for  dressing. 

Women  are  allowed  to  use  the  baths  two  days  a  week,  men  using 
them  the  remainder  of  the  time.  For  women  the  temperature  is  105 
degrees,  and  on  other  days  100  degrees.  Many  people  resort  to  this 
bath,  not  only  for  the  purpose  of  cleanliness,  but  for  relief  from  rheu- 
matism and  other  diseases,  with,  as  they  claim,  good  results. 

The  bath  cost  $10,856,  and  is  run  at  a  cost  of  about  $3,500,  the 
total  expenses  for  each  bath  averaging  three  and  four-fifth  cents. 
Since  opening  to  June,  1896,  226,538  baths  have  been  given,  49,189 
to  women  and  girls.  In  July,  1896,  the  remarkable  number  of  11,250 
baths  wxre  recorded. 

NKE^DLK    BATHS. 

In  the  summer  of  1896  the  Douglas  Park  Natatorium  and  Gym- 
nasium was  opened.  There  are  two  pools,  the  one  for  men,  55  by  120 
feet,  three  to  eight  feet  deep,  with  117  dressing-rooms.  The  women's 
pool  is  55  by  60  feet,  two  and  one-half  to  seven  feet  deep  and  has 
seventy-five  dressing-rooms.  The  baths  are  open  to  the  air.  Every 
bather,  before  entering,  must  use  the  shower  bath,  the  simple  shower 
and  needle  baths  being  both  in  use.  There  are  six  at  each  pool, 
separated  by  rubber  curtains.  The  water  for  these  and  also  for  the 
pools  is  warmed. 


84  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

A  new  shower-bath  estabHshment  will  be  in  operation,  it  is  ex- 
pected, by  January,  1897.  An  appropriation  of  $12,000  has  been 
made  by  the  city.  At  first  it  was  proposed  to  have  two  wings  for 
men  and  women,  but  the  appropriation  being  insufficient,  the  baths 
will  be  used  on  two  days  by  women,  and  by  the  men  on  the  remaining 
five  days.  The  building  is  on  Wentworth  avenue,  between  Thirty- 
eighth  and  Thirty-ninth  streets,  and  is  50  by  100  feet.  The  exterior 
is  of  buff  pressed  brick  and  terra  cotta,  and  the  interior  in  hard  wood 
and  oil.  There  will  be  thirty-two  shower  baths,  and  a  free  laundry 
with  dryers  and  steam  w^ashers. 

NETVARK,    N.    J. 

Newark  is  following  the  example  of  Chicago  and  foreign  cities  in 
placing  spray  baths  as  an  adjunct  to  a  swimming  bath.  The  pool  is 
28  by  50  feet,  and  is  from  three  to  five  feet  deep.  At  the  rear  are  eight 
spray  baths,  three  feet  by  six  feet.  There  are  thirty-six  dressing- 
rooms,  four  feet  by  three  feet.  The  building  is  of  brick,  with  brown- 
stone  trimmings,  and  will  cost  $7,500. 

TRENTOX,    X.    J. 

Trenton,  after  discussing  the  question  and  getting  plans,  finally 
decided,  owing  to  the  financial  stringency,  to  erect  the  baths  in  Mr. 
Thomas  Terradell's  Industrial  Building,  and  then  turn  them  over  to 
him  for  future  maintenance. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Municipal  System  of  Foreign  Baths. 

typical.  instance3s. 

From  the  foregoing  part  of  the  report,  it  will  be  clearly  seen  that 
the  provision  for  baths  in  American  cities  is  totally  inade(iuate.  In 
the  leading  English  and  Continental  cities  these  provisions  arc  made 
as  a  matter  of  course,  and  a  few  typical  instances  have  been  chosen. 
The  general  system  of  baths  is  the  same,  and  in  no  case  are  they  free. 
From  a  careful  study  of  the  following  pages,  it  will  be  noted  that  the 
operating  expenses  are  nearly  met  in  almost  every  case  by  fees.* 

IIIRMIXGHAM,    EXGLAXD  — BEST    IN    ENGLAND. 

The  city  of  Birmingham,  wath  a  population  of  487,897  in  1893, 
or  about  the  same  as  that  of  Boston,  possesses  four  complete  sets  of 
well-appointed  public  baths,  and  one  open-air  swimming  bath.  Two 
of  the  public  baths  have  a  Turkish  bath  attached  to  them.  The  baths 
are  very  efficiently  managed,  the  latest  improvements  having  been 
introduced  at  the  older  baths,  while  the  Monument  Road  Baths  are 
among  the  best  in  England.  The  sites  for  two  additional  suites  of 
baths  have  been  purchased,  and  building  will  be  proceeded  with  at 
once.  There  is  no  public  washhouse  now  in  Birmingham;  the  first 
and  only  one,  erected  at  the  Kent  Street  establishment,  was  closed  in 
1870,  and  a  Turkish  department  provided  in  its  place.  The  towels 
and  other  articles  used  at  the  several  bathing  establishments  are 
washed  by  machinery  at  the  Kent  Street  Baths,  under  the  charge  of 
one  laundress  employed  by  the  Committee.  She  engages  all  the 
assistance  she  requires,  and  upwards  of  50,000  articles  are  washed  per 
annum  at  a  cost  of  is.  2d.  per  dozen.  The  following  tables  will  give 
some  idea  of  the  extensive  work  carried  on  by  the  Birmingham  baths: 

*Iu  the  following  accounts  of  En}?lisli  batlis,  the  money  is  not  changed 
to  American,  as  this  can  be  readily  done  at  sight  in  a  sufficiently  accurate 
manner  by  multiplying  by  five  ($4.87=£1);  the  German  mark  is  taken  as 
equal  to  23.8  cents;  the  Noi-\\'egiau  crown  to  26.8  cents.  For  greater  con- 
venience, temperature  is  always  given  according  to  the  Fahrenheit  scale, 
and  the  metric  measures  and  weights  are  clianged  to  those  in  general  use 
here. 


86 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


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Municipal  System  of  Foreign  Baths. 


J)  I 


BIRMINGHAM,  ENGLAND. 


Kent  street. 


Date  of  opening. 

Cost  of  buildings, 
iiiclmliiig  fur- 
nishiiif;;,  but  ex- 
clusive of  ma- 
chinery, etc 


Cost  of  Itiiilers, 
eiioine.s,  punipinii 
niacliiiiery,  beat 
iufi  arrangements 
and  sinking  wells, 
etc 


May  12, 1851 


£17,201 


Woodcock 
street. 


Notthwood 
street. 


Aug.  27, 1860  M'cli  5, 1862 


£7,647 


4,410 

About       300 

yards  of  this 

land  was  re-  ed  for  future 

sold.  extension. 


2,440 

About      850 
yards regerv 


First-class  swim-| 

minjr  bath 86   ft.   6   in. 

long  by  38 
ft.  wide. 


Second-class 
swimming  bath. 


Dressing 
boxes,  bi. 


.  87  ft.  long  by 
35   ft.   wide 


22    dressing  40     dressing  24  dressii 


First-class  baths. 
Private  hot  and  ) 
cold  water  or  > 
slipper  baths..  ) 

Second-  class  } 
hatha S 


38ft.longbv 
14  ft.  wide". 


Dressing 
boxes,  6. 

80  It.    long, 

35   ft.    6   in. 

wide. 


£9,638 


1,245 


Moniunent 
road. 


.Small  Heatli. 


M'ch  1, 1883  .July  9,  1883. 


02   ft.   long 

by    31     ft. 

wide. 

Dressing 
boxes,  48. 

68  ft.  long, 

32  ft.; 9  in 

wide. 


boxes,  andiboxes  and 
acconimoda-jaccominoda- 
tions  for  75  tions  for   75 


without 

dressing 

boxes. 


Men's  30. 
Women's  6. 

Men's  24. 
Women's  7. 


without 

dressing 

boxes. 


boxes,     ac- 
commoda- 
tions for  75 
without 
dressing 
boxes. 


£19,969 


4,272 


80   ft.  long 

by  32   ft.  9 

in.  wide. 

Dressing 
boxes,  50. 

68  ft.   long 

by  32  ft. 

wide. 

Acconirao- 
dation  for 
120  bathers 


Men's.  16.     Men's,  21 
Women's,  ti.  VVomen's,4. 

Men's,  16.    I  Men's,  22. 
Women's,  8.,Women's,4 


Men's,  17. 
Womeu's,4 

Men's,  17. 
Women's, 7 


£600 


Cost  of  sink- 
ing a  well 
for  a  pro- 
po.sed  suite 
of  baths  on  a 
reserve  por- 
tion of  park 
land  £1,350. 
Cost  of  erec- 
tion of  a 
water  tower, 
water  tank, 
gas  engine 
and        deep 

water 
pumps  £785. 


133  ft.  long, 
72   ft.  wide. 


92 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

BIRMINGHAM,  ENGLAND— (Confiiiuet?). 


Kfut  street. 

Woodcock 
street. 

North  wood 
street. 

Monniuent 
road. 

Small  Heath. 

Date  of  opening. 

May  12,  1851 

Aug.  27, 1860 

M'ch5,1862 

M'ch  1, 1883 

July  9,  1883. 

Turkish  bath  de- 

partment  

1    depart- 
ment,    con- 
structed    in 
1879  out    of 
old        build- 
ings former- 
ly used  as  a 
public  work- 
house,     and 
consisting  or 
14     dressing 
rooms,  2  hot 
rooms,      1 
shampooing 
room  ,        1 
plunge  bath, 
1  large  cool- 
ing      room, 
etc. 

1  depart- 
ment,  con- 
sisting     of 
18  dressing 
rooms.  3  hot 
rooms,  1 
shampob- 
ing  room,  1 
plunge 
bath,  1 
large   cool- 
ing    room, 
etc. 

SCALE     or     CHARGES     FOR     ADMISSION     TO     THE     SEVERAL 

DEPARTMENTS. 

First  Class  Swimming  Bath: 

Single   tickets Gd. 

Book  of  2a  tickets Ss. 

Members  of  Swimming  Clubs 4<i. 

Pupils  of  Grammar  Schools,  etc..  100  tickets  for 258. 

Hire  of  bathing  drawers Id. 

Hire  of  ladies'  bathing  drcssi's 3d. 

Use  of  an  e.xtra  towel Id. 

Second  Class  S■^^imming  Bath: 

Single  tickets,  with  the  use  of  a  private  dressing-room 3d. 

Single  tickets,  without  a  private  dressing-i*oom 2d. 

ScluK)l  boys  are  admitted  at  special  times;    books  of  l,(KHt  '.d. 

tickets    £2  Is.  8d. 

School  boys  .•iiid  girls  are  admitted  at  speci;il  limes;  books  of  200 

Id.  tickets lt>s.  Sd. 

First  Class  Private  Bath: 

Warm  bath,  with  two  towels '">d. 

Cold  bath,  with  two  towels 3d. 

Second  (lass  Private  Baths: 

A\'arm  bath,   with  one  towel 3d. 

Cold  bath,  with  one  towel Id. 


.Ml  .Mf'ii'Ai.   Svsi'K.M   (»!■   I<""uiti;i«:.\    I'.atiis.  '.CJ 

Sliowi'i-  liiitlis  ;ii-t>  incliult'd  in  the  ;il»uv»'  named  (-liar^jcts,  aiul  soap 
tablets  are  supplii'd  at  Id.  extra. 

Turkish  liatli  1  )('i»artii)('iit.  iiicludiii;:-  sliaiiiiiuoiiij,'  and  tlio  iiso  oC  a 
l»rivalc  drt'ssiiii;  room.  Hot  rooms  (tlirt'ci,  louiip'  and  smoke  rooms,  noodle 
douelio,  sliower  and  plnnj^e  hjitli,  one  sliillin.^. 

i,i\  i:i{iMM>i„   i;n<;i, AM)  — (U'i'.N    \iii    maths. 

The  prcsont  Maths  Committee  was  elected  in  November,  1892. 
The  mcml)crs  found  the  property  committed  to  their  charge  in  a 
much  neglected  condition.  An  entirely  new  system  was  immediately 
adopted.  A  careful  inspection  of  all  the  baths  and  washhouses  was 
made,  and  various  hygienic  and  other  improvements  introduced.  So 
great  was  the  popularity  of  the  lUirlington  Street  Open-air  Baths, 
built  by  the  new  conmiittee,  that  it  was  decided  to  look  out  for  sites 
for  more  open-air  baths  in  other  populous  districts  of  the  city.  In 
the  course  of  1896  the  Committee  expected  to  supply  heated  salt 
water  to  the  Burlington  Street  Baths,  The  Committee  was  not  con- 
tent with  providing  public  baths,  but  has  erected  standpipes  in 
crowded  districts  to  supply  salt  water  to  the  doors  of  the  people,  and 
this  has  enabled  many  mothers  to  give  their  children  salt  water  baths 
at  home.  Liverpool  was  probably  the  first  city  in  England  to  own  its 
public  baths.  A  building  was  purchased  from  a  private  bathing  es- 
tablishment in  1794  at  a  cost  of  about  £4,000,  and  about  £1,000  was 
expended  on  alterations.  These  baths  were  removed  in  1820  to 
make  way  for  docks,  and  it  was  not  until  1828  that  new  baths  —  the 
Pierhead  Baths  —  were  opened.  Owing,  among  other  things,  to  a 
treacherous  foundation,  the  structure  cost  £24,481  up  to  the  date  of 
opening,  and  has  continued  to  cost  a  large  amount  annually.  Since 
185 1  the  question  of  reconstructing  these  baths  has  been  periodically 
before  the  Committee,  but  small  repairs  only  have  been  made,  suffi- 
to  keep  the  bath  going.  Several  of  the  baths,  including  the  ladies' 
swimming  pool,  are  in  such  a  dangerous  condition  that  they  are 
not  used. 

The  Committee  has,  without  any  sacrifice  of  efficiency,  shortened 
the  hours  of  labor  of  its  employees,  and  studied  their  comfort,  and 
this  with  a  saving  of  £1,000  on  the  cost  of  administration. 


94  Mayou's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

fresh  "water  baths. 

The  scale  of  charges  varies  according  to  the  location  of  the  baths, 
and  the  acconnnodation  provided.  Cold  fresh-water  baths  are 
given  at  id.  upwards,  at  five  of  the  baths,  but  are  not  much  favored 
even  at  this  rate.  Private  warm  baths  and  swimming  baths  range 
from  2d.  to  is.  6d.  and  vapor  baths  cost  is.  to  2s. 

In  1893  the  Committee  decided  to  issue  swimming  club  con- 
tracts, giving  the  holders  the  privilege  of  bathing  in  a  stated  bath  two 
evenings  per  week,  from  April  i  to  October  31  (sixty-two  baths)  for 
the  sum  of  5s.  per  contract,  equal  to  under  one  penny  per  bath,  not 
less  than  twenty-five  tickets  being  issued  to  one  club.  In  1895  775 
of  these  contracts  were  issued,  but  were  only  used  20,295  times,  less 
than  half  the  number  to  which  the  holders  were  entitled. 

ANNUAL    CONTRACTS. 

Annual  contracts  were  issued,  for  the  first  time,  in  1893,  at  the 
sum  of  £1  IS.  each.  In  1895  184  of  these  were  issued  and  were  used 
16,812  times,  or  an  average  of  just  91  times.  In  1894  the  same  privi- 
leges were  extended  to  any  of  the  city's  permanent  employes  for  the 
sum  of  7s.  6d.  but  were  not  very  largely  availed  of.  Only  forty-three 
of  these  contracts  were  issued  in  1895,  and  these  were  used  only 
1,443  times,  or  less  than  thirty-four  times  by  each  holder. 

Special  tickets  for  the  use  of  schools  are  sold  in  packages  of  250 
at  one-half  penny  each,  entitling  the  holders  to  bathe  in  a  body  in 
charge  of  a  responsible  person  in  the  second-class  plunge  in  any 
establishment  except  the  Pierhead,  between  7  and  8  a,  m.,  and  5  and 
6  p.  m.  Mondays  to  Fridays,  and  between  7.30  and  9  a.  m.  Saturdays, 
but  arrangement  must  be  made  with  the  Superintendent  what  time 
each  school  may  bathe.  The  number  of  these  bathers  was  38,500  in 
1895,  a  large  increase  on  previous  years.  In  addition  to  this,  penny 
and  two-penny  school  tickets  are  issued,  and  64,792  were  used  in 
1895,  making  a  total  of  school  bathers  of  103,292. 

EXPERIMENT, 

The  Baths  Committee  has  now  resolved  (as  an  experiment)  to 
grant  free  plunge  baths  to  children  attending  schools  within  half  a 
mile  of  the  Margaret  Street  Baths,  and  this  will  undoul)tcdly  educate 
the  children  in  habits  of  cleanliness,  and  tend  to  make  them  regular 
visitors  in  the  future. 


Municipal  System  of  Foreig.x  Baths. 


95 


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ft.x27ft.   Two 
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x40ft.    One  43 

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fl.6in.  by  34  ft. 

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96 


Mayou's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


RECEIPTS  AND  EXPENDITURES  FOR  1895. 


ESTABLISHMENT. 


Pierheafl 

Cornwallis  stret-t... 

Marjjaret  slroct 

Wesliniiistir  road.. 

Steble  street 

Lodge  Lane 

BuiToiiuhs  Gardens. 

Fiederiok  street 

Builiujiton  street — 
Incidental 


Total 


Receipts. 


£ 

1,153 

1,723 

829 

825 

1,024 

l,Ui6 

1,03") 

266 


12    2 

15    9 

17    5 

8  11 


8,025  48.  5d. 


Expenditures. 


£     8.  d, 

1,081  18  9 

1,458  13  11 

844  12  9 

1,058    4  7 

1 , 182    3  2 

1,246  19  5 

1,457    7  5 

425    4  3 

75  12  6 

38  15  5 


8,869  128.  2d, 


Excess  of         I    Excess   of 
expenditures     :  receip's  over 
over  receipts.       expenditures. 


d.i 


15  12  5 

232  12  3 
l.-)7  11  U 

80  3  8 
421  10  0 
158  15  4 
*75  12  6 

38  15  5 


£     s.  d. 

71  12  8 

264  12  2 


1,18012s.  7(1.     336  48.  lOd 


Total  excess  of  expenditures  over  receipts,  £844  7s.  9d. 


NUMBER  OF  BATHERS  DURING  THE  YEAR   1895. 


Men. 


Pierhead 

Martinet  street 

Cornwallis  street  .. 

Lodge  Lane 

Westiiiinsler  load.. 

Steble  street 

Burrougbs   Gardens 

Total 


Private 
baiiis. 


3,744 
12,345 
25,815 
18.207 
18,218 
13,924 
16,400 


108,653 


Plunge 
ballis. 


45,649 
49,953 
66,751 
45^568 
49,265 
41,544 
34,131 


332,861 


Women. 


Private 
baths. 


168 
1,396 
4,372 
1,030 
874 
492 
2,551 


Plunge 
batbs. 


8,027 


10,883 


8,027 


Total. 


49,561 
63,694 
104,965 
64,e05 
68,357 
55,960 
53,982 


460,424 


LIMITED    TO    BOYS. 

The  Free  Open-air  Swimming-  Bath  at  Burhngton  Street,  hmited 
to  boys  under  the  age  of  fifteen  years,  was  opened  on  July  8.  The 
water  w^as  not  heated,  but,  notwithstanding  this,  the  bath  was  well 
patronized.  During  the  months  of  July  and  August  the  average 
weekly  attendance  was  over  i6,ooo.  The  class  to  which  these  boys 
belong  is  evident  from  the  fact  that  nine-tenths  of  them  come  without 
shoes  or  stockings. 


♦  Closed. 


From  Municipality  atui  County,  Buffalo,  iV.  V. 

Laundry  hung  up  to  dry  in  the  house  of  a  family  living  in  one  roonn. 
The  Gilder  Committee  of  1894  state  that  out  of  255,033  people  coming  with- 
in the  scope  of  their  inquiry  only  306  had  access  to  bath-rooms  in  houses 
where  they  lived 


From  Mitiiicif-aliy  ami  Crutity,  Bujf.i'.o,  .V.    )'. 

The  household  effects  of  a  family  living  in  one  room.  A  Public  Laundry 
would  remove  the  congestion,  by  enabling  the  family  in  question  to  do  tne 
laundry  work  outside  of  the  so-called  home. 


Mangling  Room,  Hornsey  Road  Laundry  (London).  Charge  for  use  of 
the  laundry,  first  hour,  2c.;  second  hour,  3c  ;  each  succeedinfy  hour,  4c. 
30,420  women  used  the  laundry  for  the  year  ending   March  31st,  1896. 


Drying  Room,  Hornsey  Road  Public  Laundry  (London).  It  is  calculated 
that  one  hour  will  suffice  for  the  laundry  work  of  a  family  of  five  people. 
New  York  has  no  public  laundries 


MuMcirAL  Svs'iKM  ui-  Foreign  Baths.  97 

I.ONn<)\,    ENGLAND. 

In  "  Municipal  "  l.Dndon  over  half  a  niilli(^n  ])Oun(ls,  or  two  and 
a  half  million  dollars,  is  invcstc*!  in  public  baths  and  laundry  estab- 
lishments, which  cost  £i  10,000  yearly  to  maintain.  Besides  the  par- 
ishes of  which  details  arc  j;ivcn  the  followinp^  have  baths  and  wash- 
liouses  in  operation : 

7 


98 


Mayor's  Committek  on  Public  Baths. 


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MuNKH-AL  Systk.m  f)K  FoiJKioN  Batiis.  09 

Besides  tliese  i)arishes,  the  following  have  comniissioners  ap- 
pointed and  bathhouses  in  course  of  erection:  Bethnal  Green,  Clerk- 
cnwcll.  ]:)eptford,  1-ulham.  Hackney,  Lanil)eth,  Katclifif  and  Shore- 
ditch. 

I'ollowing  arc  details  of  some  of  the  more  imi)ortant  London 

baths: 

ST.    MARY,    STRATFOIIIJ,    IIOAV. 

The  X'cstry  voted  to  establish  baths  and  washhouses  on  October 
30,  1888,  and  the  baths  were  opened  on  July  27,  1892.    The  initial 

expenses  were: 

£  s.    d. 

Land 4,270  o  10 

Buildings 29,887  3  7 

Engineering  plant 6,599  ^  ^ 

Furniture,  utensils  and  fittings 1,130  i  i 

Total 41,886     5     6 


For  this,  five  loans,  aggregating  £42,000,  were  obtained  from 
the  London  County  Council  at  3^  per  cent,  interest.  In  1895-6 
£1,904  of  the  princi])al  was  repaid,  and  £1,228  3s.  6d.  interest.  The 
debt  will  be  entirely  liquidated  in  1922,  the  loans  being  repayable  in 
from  ten  to  thirty  years. 

The  accommodation  provided  is  as  follows:  First-class  swim- 
ming pool,  water  area  90  feet  by  30  feet  (charge  6d.),  with  52  dressing 
boxes. 

Second-class  swimming  pool,  water  area  86  feet  by  30  feet 
(charge  2d.),  with  71  dressing  boxes. 

Fifteen  men's  first-class  private  baths;  warm,  6d.;  cold,  3d. 

Thirty  men's  second-class  private  baths;  warm,  2d.;  cold,  id. 

Four  women's  first-class  private  baths;  warm,  6d.;  cold.  3d. 

Eight  women's  second-class  private  baths;  warm.  2d.;  cold,  id. 

STEA3I    DRIVEN. 

The  public  laundry  has  forty  washing  troughs  and  forty  drying 
horses,  together  with  steam  driven  wringers  and  mangles,  ironing 
stoves,  tables  and  other  conveniences.  The  charge  is  i.kl.  per  hour, 
which  includes  a  plentiful  supply  of  hot  and  cold  water.     In  1895-6 


100 


Mavok's  Committkk  o\  PruLic  I>aths. 


there  were  25,711  washers,  ag^ainst  27,639  for  the  previous  year,  a 
decrease  of  1,928,  caused  by  the  fine  weather,  but  the  number  01  iLours 
occupied  was  98.505^  against  97,673,  an  increase  of  632^  hours.  Of 
these  25,711  women,  4,975  only  stayed  one  hour,  1,873  o'''^^  ^"tl  one- 
hah'  hours,  and  2.523  two  hours,  while  142  stayed  twelve  hours. 

The  following"  sunmiarizes  the  number  of  baths  taken  in  the 
three  full  years    during  which  the  baths  have  been  open: 


Private  baths  (meu) 

Priv.-ite  baths  (women) 

Swiiuiuiug  baths  (men) 

Swiu)ming  baths  (women) 

Vapor   batlis 

Spray  baths 

Family  tickets,  vapor  balhs 

Family  tickets,  men's  private  baths 

Family  tickets,  men's  swimming  baths... 
Family  tickets,  women's  private  baths.  .. 
Family  tickets,  women's  swimming  baths 

Club  barbers  

School  bathers  

Boai-d  school  bathers 

Total 


1895-96. 

1891-95. 

1893-94. 

48.66.3 

39,723 

36,485 

12, 494 

9,881 

10,  .515 

4'J,468 

35,045 

54,066 

3,231 

1,?58 

633 

24 

40 

56 

36 

48 

92 

21 



3.816 

3,569 

2,910 

5,146 

4,671 

5,647 

1,139 

898 

988 

268 

348 

546 

3,794 

3,609 

2.147 

7,2:32 

3,320 

2,018 

9,425 

3,411 

3,;i80 

144,757 

105,921 

119,483 

It  should  be  noted  that  the  summer  of  1894  was  exceptionally 
cold  and  the  winter  following  the  severest  for  years. 
The  working  expenses  were: 


Wages  and  salaries 

Coal 

Kates  and  taxes 

Water 

Gas 

Soap  and  soda 

Repairs 

Printing  and  advertising. 

Insurances 

Oil,  etc 

Acconntant 

Fogaliateineiit 

Statement  rating  retnrns. 
Sundries  


Toliil 


1895-6. 


£       8. 
1,076  10 

46.)  17 

380     r, 

3.3'>  li 
94  6 
32     t     9 

109  \A  5 
48  12  6 
4S  0  0 
27  li  4 
11)  10     0 


36  17    2 
2,6(54     3    7 


1894-5. 


£  s. 

1,054  :{ 

486  4 

3S0  5 


296  16    0 


100  II  1 

51  7  1 

81  0  0 

65  17  5 

4S  0  0 


10  10    0 
2    2    0 


49  19    9 


2,626  16  11 


1893-4. 


£          8.  d. 

1,042  12  2 

455    8  2 

312     1  8 

2(i5     6  8 


99 

46 


!•  11 
7     1 


78  19  2 
69  7  6 
40  10    0 


10  10     0 


.■S     5     0 
36     1     0 

2,461   18     4 


MUXICIPAL    SVSTKM     OK    FoUKKlN     Ha'IIIS. 


101 


RECEIPTS    FROM    BATHERS    AM>    WASHERS,    SALE    OF    SOAP, 

SODA,  ETC. 


£       s.    (1. 

lSiYA-4 2. 420  12     (»    |    189r>-G. 

1894--) 2,024  18     2 


f       6.    d. 
2.04.-)  10     [) 


CHELSEA. 

Clielsea  Pul)lic  Hatlis  were  only  opened  in  1893,  and  have  been 
well  i)atronized.  The  nnnibcr  of  bathers  in  1894-5  was  93,913,  and 
the  charges  are  2c\.  and  6d.  It  is  now  proposed  to  ereet  another  set 
of  baths  with  washhouses  at  Kcnsal  Town.  The  land  has  been  ])ur- 
chased  and  plans  drawn  up.  The  cost  is  estimated  at  £12.700.  The 
Commissioners  propose  to  utilize  heat  obtained  from  a  patent  furnace 
which  will  consume  the  waste  products  of  the  district.  This  will  mean 
a  saving  of  £3,000.     Washhouses  have  not  yet  been  established. 


RECEIPTS. 


Year  ending           Year  ending 
March  25,  1895.       March  25,  1894. 

From  bathers 

£      s.    d.  1       f      s.    d. 

1,213  15  10  1  1,121     4    3 

4  15     6  1         11  10     0 

1  17     7  1           14     1 

16  10  1    

1 

From  rents 

From  iuterost   

From  weiphiui?  machiue 

Total 

1 

1,221     5     9      1,133  18     4 

EXPENDITURES. 


Year  endin 

sr 

Y'ear  ending 

March  25,  1895. 

March  25,  1894. 

£ 

S. 

d. 

£      s.    d. 

1         131 

18 

6 

95  17     6 

1         355 

12 

0 

559     0     1 

1         122 

6 

6 

110  12     7 

1         378 

3 

8 

306     6     8 

1         274 

14 

8 

259     9     4 

1     1,542 

10 

0 

1,.322  16     0 

13 

3 

49     4     8 

49 

3 

1 

127     1     2 

1           23 

3 

11 

24     8    4 

2S 

15 

0 

137  19  10 

22 

18 

9 

6     5     0 

2.929 

19 

4 

2,999     1     2 

Insuranco,  rates,  taxes 

Repairs  and  maiuteuauce  of  buildings.  . .  . 

(rast  

Coal    

Water 

Salaries  and  wages 

Furniture    

I'rintiug  and  stationery 

Soap  ;uid  soda 

Towels,  bathing  drawers,  etc 

Sundries | 

Total I 

I 


1((2  Mayou's  Oommittek  on  Public  Baths. 

greenavich. 

Baths  and  washhouses  were  established  in  1850.  Last  year  over 
90,000  persons  used  the  baths,  though  a  falHng  off  of  18,000  in 
numbers  was  caused  by  the  opening  of  the  Woolwich  Baths  and  the 
cold  season.  Charges  are  from  id.  to  6d.,  and  the  baths  are  open  in 
summer  from  6  a.  m.  to  9  p.  m.,  Saturday  until  10  p.  m.,  Sunday  from 
7  to  10  a.  m. 

Loans  were  taken  as  follows : 

August.    1850 £7. 000 

October,   1851 2,  SCJ 

March,  1877 2, 000 

Jul}',  1892 1 .  000 

^larch.  1893 500 


Total 18,000 


Of  this  amount  £11,854  has  been  repaid.     The  receipts  for  the 

year  ending  March  25,  1896,  were: 

£      s.    (1. 

Bathors 9G9     0     1 

Washers   52  12  11^4 

Soap 45     4     5 

Rents  It)  11     0 

Sale  of  old  materials 4    90 

Total 1, 087  17     5^ 


Expenditures  for  corresponding  period  were: 

f     s.  d. 

8alai-ii's  and  wafres 709  16  4 

Fuol 2:!4  13  9 

(i:is    (i2     0  4 

Chandlery  and  soap 62  12  7 

Kates,  taxes  and  insurance 42  11  0 

Furniture  and  utensil.s 10    0  0 

R<'I>aii"s  and  maintenance 170  IS  10 

I'rintinj;,  stationery  and  advertisiuj: 36  12  5 

Pctly   cash 12  18  7 

Total 1.342     3  10 


Mu.vicii'AL  System  of  F()itKn;N   Hatiis. 


lo:? 


ISLINGTON  — mow  Y    I'KOFITS. 

Tlic  Parish  of  St.  Mary,  Islington,  only  adopted  the  Baths  and 
Washhouses  Acts  in  August,  1889,  but  the  Commissioners  appointed 
went  to  work  with  a  will,  and  Islington  now  has  tiiree  extremely  fine 
public  baths.  The  Caledonian  Road  Baths  were  opened  in  May,. 
1892,  and  the  llornsey  Road  Baths  in  July,  1892.  The  need  for  such 
establishments  was  evident  by  the  fact  that  up  to  March  31,  1895, 
1,002,735  bathers  and  169,515  washers  were  accommodated,  a  total 
of  1,166,323  persons,  while  the  receipts  from  these  sources  amounted 
altogether  to  £16,666  17s.  7d.  The  Tibbcrton  Square  Baths  were  only 
opened  in  April,  1895,  so  no  figures  can  be  given.  It  will  be  noticed 
that  a  large  payment  is  made  for  water.  London  does  not  possess  its 
own  water-works,  so  the  public  baths  have  to  help  pay  the  heavy 
profits  the  water  companies  make.  The  increase  in  the  number  of 
women  swimmers  is  the  more  remarkable  as  the  total  attendance  fell 
off,  owing  to  the  unfavorable  season.  School  Board  children  are 
admitted  at  the  low  price  of  id.,  and  for  the  year  ending  March  31, 
1895,  6,952  visited  the  Caledonian  Road  Baths,  and  14,240  the 
Hornsey  Road  Baths. 

DARKLY    FIFTY     WOMEN. 

Each  of  the  establishments  has  a  washhouse  connected  with  it. 
At  first  the  women  were  slow  in  taking  advantage  of  the  many  con- 
veniences provided.  Barely  fifty  women  used  the  laundry  at  Hornsey 
Road  the  first  week,  but  since  then  the  numbers  have  reached  1,100 
in  a  single  week.  The  whole  accommodation  is  often  taken  up,  and 
sometimes  a  number  of  women  are  waiting  their  turn. 

The  orisfinal  cost  of  the  building's  was  as  follows: 


Purchase  of  site 

Erection  of  huildinfj 

Engineering  and  machinery  . .. 

Architect,   surveyor  and   clerk 

of  works 

Furnishings  and  fittings 

Electric  lif^ht  installation 

Compensation  for  disturbance. 

Total 


Caledonian-rd. 


£       S.  d. 

7,614     8  6 

14,154  16  1 

3,502  18  3 

1,556     1  3 

365     1  5 


Hornsey-rd. 


£      8.  d. 

2,189    4  3 

24,199  12  2 

5,948  11  9 

2,458    2  1 

402    5  11 

1,317  19  0 

50    0  0 


Tibberton-sq. 


.'7,193    5    6         36,565  15    2 


£        8.  d. 

6,063  13  6 

21,672    0  0 

4,994    0  0 

2,195    2  10 


34,924  16    4 


104  Mayou's  Committkr  on  Public  Baths. 

ACCOMMODATIONS  PROVIDED. 


Caledonian-rd. 

Homsey-rd. 

Tibberton-sq. 

Swimuiiiig  linths  : 

Area  first  class 

Area  second  class 

Area  women's. 

90X30  ft. 
75X25  ft. 

132x10  ft. 

100  x35  ft. 

75x25  ft. 

93 
71 
47 

74 
34 
49 

90x30  ft. 
94x:--0ft. 
50x20  ft. 

DressiiiK  boxes: 

First  class 

Second  cla«s 

Women's 

Private  hatLs: 
Men's 

42 
16 
26 

58 

Women's 

33 

Washing  stalls 

63 

Depth,  all  baths,  3  feet  6  inches  to  6  feet  9  inches. 


WORKING   EXPENSI^S,   YEAR  ENDING   MARCH   31.   1895. 


Wages  and  disbniseraents 

Rates,  taxes  and  insurance 

Coal  and  coke 

Water  

Gas 

Soap,  sod:.,  <lisiMte(;tants,  etc 

Brushes,  brooms,  ])ails,  etc 

Engineer's  stores,  etc 

Ticket  books,  India  rubber  stamps,  etc 

Drapery,  draweis,  costumes 

Other  exjienses 

Total 


Caledonian-rd. 

Hornsey-rd. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

£ 

8.  d. 

1,079 

15 

5 

1 

,357 

6  Hi 

112 

I 

6 

164 

5    3 

543 

12 

5 

1 

,022 

0     1 

561 

0 

11 

1 

,089 

19    2 

161 

4 

1 

21 

13    5 

49 

13 

10 

109 

19    2 

19 

'> 

9 

20 

8    0 

53 

8 

3 

120 

9    0 

43 

11 

8 

60 

17     1 

27 

11 

0 

36 

6    0 

59 

16 

0 

120 

15    ,5 

2,710 

17 

10 

4 

,123 

19    6i 

RECEIPTS  FOR  THE  YEAR  ENDING  MARCH  31,  1895. 


Caledonian  road. 

Homsey  road. 

Private  iia tbs 

£  s.  d 
861  4  4 
782  1  0 
644  13    2 

20  13     7 

7  12    3 

152  19    6 

£     ■  8.  d. 
1,119    8    2 

Swimming  baths 

Lanndi'y 

1.981  11     2 
545     1     IV;; 

Soap,   snda,  etc.,  sold 

Hire  of  bath 

34    9    71.; 
46  13    0  ~ 

Hire  of  ball 

Sunilries 

7     7 

Total 

2,^69    3  10 

3,730  10    8 

Loss  on   the   year 

241  14    0 

39:'.    8  10».; 

MUNHIPAL    SVS'I'K.M    OF    FdKKICN     I'lA  THS. 


105 


NUMBKR  OF  liATllHKS   WOK  TilK   YKAltS  1893-1  AND  1894-5. 
Caledonian  Road. 


Tear  eiidiiiff  March  31,       Tear  en<linc  March  31, 
189.i.  !  18'I4. 


Men. 


Women. 


Men. 


Total 130,924 


16,190  I     144,606 


Women. 


First-class  priviite  l.aths 14,3.58'  1,349  14,058  1,731 

Secn...(l-(:la>s   iMivat.'   hatl.s 46,292  10.863  19,318;  11,475 

First-class  swimminc  hatlis 13, .".60  561  23,6:<4   [  822 

.Second-class  swiiiiiiiing  halhs 56,724   i  3.417  57,596  1,629 


15,657 


Hornsey  Road. 


Year  endintr  March  31, 

189.5. 

Year  eiidiug  March  31, 

1894. 

Men. 

Women. 

Men 

Women. 

25,987 
35,734 
63,166 
64,191 

2,. 520 
13,844 

5,792 
16,5190 

24,209 
33,. 575 
76,350 

77,8.55 

2.315 

Second-class  private  baths 

First-class  swimminj;  batlis 

Second-class  swiminiiijf  liaths 

13,135 

7,208 

11,388 

Total 

189,078 

39,146 

211, 96J 

34,046 

PRIA'ATE  HOT  AND   COLD   BATHS. 
First  Clas.<^ — Hot,  Gd.;  cold  or  shower,  3d.     Including-   soap,   use  of 
flesh  brush  and  two  towels. 

Second  Class — Hot.  2d.;  cold  or  cold  shower.  Id. 

SWIMMING    BATH. 

First  Class— Od.;  boolvs  of  trvvelve  tickets.  4s.  Cd. 
Second  Class — 2d. 


NUMBER  OF  WASHERS. 


Year  en. linjr  31st  Ahiicli,  189.5. 
Tear  ending  Slst   March,  1894. 


Caledoniau 
road. 


39,. 540 
31,480 


H«rn8ey 
road. 


33,004 
27,079 


Charge:     First  hour,  Id.;  second  hour,  VM.;  every  succeeding  hour,  2d. 


IOC)  Mayou's  CoMMnTioi-:  ox  Puulic  Baths. 

KENSINGTON,    LONDON. 

Kensington  opened  public  batlis  in   i88S,  at  a  cost  of  nearly 

£60,000,  divided  as  follows : 

£  s.    d. 

Site   18, 443  ir.  11 

Building  works 31,52(3  8     3 

Engineering  works 12, 927  15    8- 

Completion  of  and  fitting  up  men's  second  class  swimming 

bath  in  1889 1 ,  838  11  11 

Total 59, 730  11     9 


Eig-lit  loans,  amounting  altogether  to  £59,700.  were  obtained, 
those  for  the  site  repayable  in  fifty  years,  for  building  work  in  thirty 
years  and  for  engineering  work  in  twenty  years.  More  than  a  quarter 
of  these  loans  have  already  been  repaid. 

The  accommodation  includes: 


Men's  swimming  batha. 

Size. 

Depth. 

Water 
capacity. 

Dressing 
compart- 
ments. 

First  class 

Secoud  class 

Third  class 

87x46 V;;  ft. 
50x31  H  ft. 
61x2434:  ft. 

61^x22.14  ft. 

.3  ft.  7  in.xei^  ft. 
3  ft.  2  iu.x5  ft.  7iii. 
3  ft.  7  in.xSft.  7iii. 

3  i'l.  2  iu.x5  ft.  7  in. 

126,000  gals. 
44,000  gals. 
43,000  gals. 

40,000  gals. 

50 
35 

52 

VVoiiieii'is     Rwiraming 
batlj 

31 

Private  baths. 

First 
class. 

Second 
class. 

Third 
class. 

Total. 

Men's 

13 

7 

"*"'26" 

34 

47 

Women's  

27 

Total 

20              90 

34 

74 

Charges  vary  from  id.  for  a  third-class  cold,  and  2d.  for  warm 
or  swinmiing  bath,  to  3d.  for  a  first-class  cold.  6d.  for  a  warm,  and  8d. 
for  a  swinnning  bath.  Reduction  on  ([uantities  of  swimming  tickets 
taken,  w  hich  are  transferrable.  reduce  the  cost  of  a  first-class  swim  to 
6(1.  if  ten  tickets  are  taken  and  to  5d.  if  one  buys  one  hundred  tickets. 

The  laundry  contains   sixty  washing  compartments,  with  the 


Municipal  Svstk.m   of  Foreign  I4aths.  107 

usual  CDuvenieucc.'^.  and  rifty-five  (Irving'  horses.  It  is  open  from 
8  a.  ni.  to  8  p.  ni.  all  the  year  round  at  a  charge  of  i^d.  per  hour.  The 
first  eleven  months,  13.950  women  attended  for  38,709^  hours.  In 
1889-90,  the  numbers  increased  to  31,113  women  and  84,352  hours, 
while  in  the  year  ending  March  25,  1896,  55,550  women  stayed 
123,703]  hours.  Of  the  total  number,  16,037  women  stayed  only 
one  hour,  and  16,147  two  hours.  The  average  time  was  2\  hours  at 
an  average  charge  of  3  2-5d.  per  head. 

The  receipts  of  the  baths  and  washhouses  for  the  year  ending 

March  25,  1896,  were: 

f  s.  (1. 

Bathers  1,495  15  8 

Washers   785  18  9'^ 

Soap  sold  to  bathers 17  18  4 

Swimmiiif?  entertainments   9  9  0 

Use  of  weigh  bridge 1  i  G 

Soap,  soda,  bhio,  starch,  etc.,  sold  to  washers 14  0  7V^ 

Old   stores    1  0  6 

Total L'.  :J25     4     5 


The  expenses  for  the  same  period  were: 

£  s.    d. 

Rates,  t^a.xes  and  insurance 448  1    7 

Salaries  and  wages 1 ,  563  3    6 

Water 501  17    0 

Gas  168  5     6 

Fuel    601  13     8 

Soap,  soda,  blue,  starch,  etc 31  7     3 

Brushes  and  brooms 16  12  10 

Engineer's  requisites 44  3     3 

Furniture    9  4     7 

Printing,  stationery  and  advertising 79  2     0 

Ivepairs  and  maintenance 253  13  10 

Various  small  expenses 24  7  10 

Total 3,  741  12  10 


The  number  of  bathers,  though  not  equal  to  the  best  recorded, 
showed  an  increase  over  the  previous  year: 


108 


Mayor's  Committke  on  Pt'blic  Baths. 


1^92-3 
1893-4 
1894-5 
1895-6 


Men. 


Swimming 
bath. 


52,537 
65,319 
47.400 
53,943 


Private 
baths. 


36,912 
39,939 
37,273 
40,950 


Women. 


Swimming 
bath. 


5,642 
5,065 
4,4S5 
5,949 


Private 
baths. 


9,185 
9.475 
8,202 
9,249 


Total. 


104,276 

119.798 

97,3t'.0 

110,091 


LEAVISHAM,    L,OXDO\. 

Tlie  Lewisliam  Baths,  unlike  most  of  the  Enghsh  pubhc  baths, 
for  the  first  two  years  after  opening  yielded  a  small  profit  on  the 
working  expenses.  For  the  eleven  years  during  which  they  have 
been  in  operation  there  has  been  an  average  deficit  of  £351  os.  6d. 
The  Commissioners  have  had  the  floors  of  the  first-class  swimming 
bath  relaid  during  the  winter,  and  helped  to  swell  the  receipts  by  let- 
ting the  halls  for  entertainments.  The  Ladywell  Baths  are  also  used 
for  a  gymnasium  in  the  winter.  Women  are  admitted  to  the  first- 
class  swimming  pool  at  the  Forest  Hill  Bath  on  Wednesdays  from 
10  a.  m.  to  6  p.  m.,  and  on  Fridays  and  Saturdays  from  10  a.  m.  to 
I  p.  m.,  and  to  the  Ladywell  Baths  on  Tuesdays  from  10  a.  m.  to 
6  p.  m.,  on  Thursdaws  from  1 1  a.  m.  to  6  p.  m..  aiul  on  Saturdavs  from 
10  a.  m.  to  I  p.  m.  The  remainder  of  the  time,  from  6  a.  m.  to  9  p.  m., 
week  days,  is  given  to  the  men.  The  loans  of  £28.200  for  the  erection 
of  the  baths  were  obtained  from  the  old  ]\Ietropolitan  Board  of 
Works  (the  predecessor  of  the  London  County  Council)  at  3.I  per 
cent.  The  annual  installments  at  present  amount  to  £1.073  ^^-  ^d. 
and  the  interest  for  1895-6  was  £634  19s.  8d.  The  buildings  actuallv 
cost  for  construction:  Ladywell,  £14,581  i6s.  5d..  and  Forest  Hill, 
£13,801  3s.  6d. 


Municipal  System  of  Foukign  Haths. 


109 


RECEIPTS  1X)K  YKAR  ENDING  MAHCH  25,  1896. 


From  hatluTS 

Sain  of  soap  taltlets 

Hire  of  hatliiiitr  drt'sses 

Hire  of  ext ra  towelH  

Hire  of  8wiinmii)u;  baths  for  enter 
tiiiiiiiuMitH   and   connnittee  rooms 
for  meetiiiijs 

Salo   of   slate  slabs   and    old  brick 
wall 


Ladywell  baths. 


£  8. 

887  5 

9  11 

23  1.5 

1  19 


Total 1,119  17     1 


Forest  Hill 
baths. 


£     8.    d. 

542    8    5 

4  19    6 

17    5  10 

17    4 


86    4    4 


651  15     5 


Total. 


£     s.  d. 

1,429  13  10 

11  10  9 

41     0  10 

2  16  5 


274     5    8 
9    5     0 


1,771  12    6 


WORKING  EXPENSES  FOR  YEAR  ENDING  .MARCH  25,  1896. 


Coal  and  fuel — 

Gas - 

Water 

Repairs  and  maintenance 

Soap  and  soda 

Soap  tablets 

\Va>ies 

Rates,  taxes  and  insurance  .. 

Towels  (1009  ®  6s.  4id.  per  dozen). 

Layin;!  and  removing  winter  floor- 
ing, inchiding  repairs 

District  surveyor's  fees 

New  platform  (first-class  liall) 

Painting  and  varnishing  swimming 
baths 

Enlarging  artistes'  room  

New  vertical  boiler  and  connections 
to  hall 

Covering  boilers  and  pipes  with 
asbestos  

Re-seating  boilers  and  fixing  new 
stack  pipes  

New  greenhouse  (balance) 

New  water  supply 

Clerk's  salary 

Printing,  stationery,  advertising 
and  general  ex|)ense3 


Ladywell  baths 


£ 

114 
61 

232 

117  16 
3  19 
5     8 

422  16 

123 
13 


1.  d. 
0  4 
0  11 
3    9 


1 
6 
0 
0 
11  10 
7    9 


26    8  11 

9  12    6 

14  19    3 

82  14    8 

31   18     7 

72  10    0 
19     1  10 


413  14    0 


Total j     1,765    3  11 


Forest  Hill 
baths. 


£  s. 

94  5 

50  5 
173  I 
110  5 
3  4 
2  16 
390  2 
119  15 

13  8 


20  10  6 
4  12  6 


31  3  4 


8  19  11 

49  2  3 
16  3  4 


1,087  14  11 


Total. 


£  s. 

208  5 

111  6 

405  5 

228  1 

7  3 

8  4 
812  18 
243  7 


d. 
4 
0 
1 
5 
9 
3 
3 
2 
26  16  0 


46  19  5 

14  5  0 

14  19  3 

113  IS  0 

31  18  7 

72  10  0 

28  1  9 

49  2  3 
16  3  4 

413  14  0 

50  0  0 

79  0  0 


2,981  18  IQ 


The  deficiency  thus  amounted  to  £1,210  6s.  4d.  Of  this  amount 
£413  14s.  od.  was  an  extraordinary  expenditure  for  new  water  supply, 
while  other  structural  alterations  should  not  strictly  be  included  in 
working  expenses,  but  be  charged  to  capital  account. 


110 


Mayor's  Committep:  ox  Public  Baths. 
i\UMBER  OF  BATHEES,  1895-6. 


Ladywell 59,125 

Forest  Hill 39,«I8 


Male. 


Total 98,943 


Total. 


111,423 


SCALE  OF  CHARGES. 

Fir.st-Cl;i.ss  Swimming  Bath,  each  (adults) 

First-Class  Swimmiiiii  Bath,  per  dozen 

Fir.st-Cla.ss  Swimming  Bath,  children  under  12,  accompanying 
adult 

Second-Class  Swimming  Bath,  each 

Second-Class  Swimming  Bath,  children  attending  public  elemen- 
tary schools 

First-Class  Private  Bath,  each 

First-Class  Private  Bath,  per  dozen 

Second-Class  Private  Bath,  each 

Season  tickets  

Season  tickets,  children  under  12 

Private  schools  and  swimming  clubs,  on  production  of  club  mem- 
bership or  school  card 

Visitors  (admitted  to  gallery  of  First-Class  Swimming  Bath)... 

Hire  of  bathing  dresses  or  drawers 

Extra  towel  

Soap   


MARYLEBONE,    LONDON. 

This  parish  erected  baths  and  washhouses  in  1848  at  a  cost  of 
£23,671.  The  annual  average  cost  (£3,200)  slightly  exceeded  the 
receipts  from  bathers  (£2,750).  For  the  year  ending  Alarch.  1894, 
the  receipts  were  £3,097,  working  expenses,  £2,957.  There  were 
153,000  bathers  and  36,000  washers.  The  establishment  comprised 
four  swinnning  baths  and  105  private  batlis.  The  average  annual 
receipts  from  washers  were  £850,  accommodation  being  jirovided  for 
sixty-one  workers.  The  laundry  was  fitted  tip  with  drying  horses, 
ironing  stove  with  irons,  tables  and  blankets,  mangles  and  hydro- 
extractors.  The  baths  had  become  so  inadeciuate.  and  obsolete  that 
several  clubs  had  had  to  go  elsewhere.    The  building  is  being  entirely 


£ 

s. 

d. 

0 

0 

6 

0 

5 

0 

0 

0 

4 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

6 

0 

5 

0 

0 

0 

2 

1 

1 

0 

0 

10 

6 

0 

0 

4 

0 

() 

2 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

1 

MUMOII'AL    SySTK.M    W    FoUFACS    liATHS. 


Ill 


rebuilt  and  reconstructed  and  the  C'onuiiissioncrs  intend  that  it  shall 
be  complete  in  all  respects,  with  internal  arranj^enients  of  the  most 
approved  character,  hut  at  the  same  time  iiothini^:  cxtravag^ant  in 
desic^n  or  detail  is  to  be  permitted.  Tlie  ornamental  tiles  in  the  old 
buildings  will  be  made  use  of  as^ain.  The  cost  will  be  £43.800.  The 
building-  will  not  be  entirely  comi)leted  before  March  i,  1897. 

PADDIXGTOX.    LONDON. 

The  Paddington  Baths  were  erected  in  1874,  and  the  entire 
amount  borrowed  will  be  repaid  by  1902.  The  bicycle  craze  afforded 
a  means  of  utilizing  the  large  swimming  bath  in  the  winter  as  a  cycle 
school.  During  the  year  1895-96  the  Commissioners  paid  off  £400 
still  owing  for  extra  washing  compartments,  and  erected  a  washer  at 
a  cost  of  £42.  An  extra  charge  of  £250  for  water,  an  increase  of  50 
per  cent.,  was  made  by  the  water-works  company.  The  summer  of 
1895  was  unusually  warm,  and  this,  with  the  fact  that  the  Marylebone 
Baths  had  been  pulled  down  to  erect  a  larger  building,  caused  an 
increase  of  the  receipts  over  the  previous  year  of  £671  2s.  72^1.,  and 
an  increase  of  £55  12s.  od.  over  1892-93,  the  best  previous  year. 


Cost.  . 
erect  on 

Average 

annual 

cost. 

Avera?e 
annual 
receipts 

from 
bathers. 

Accommodation. 

YEAR  OF 
OPENING. 

Number  of        il""]^!^ 
baths.          :  P'^f^^^^ 

1 

Lowest  charges. 

1874 

£56,529 

£4,021 

£3,680 

^  4  STTimminy; 
(  96  private. 

229 
96 

(  2(1.  swimming. 
<  2d    hot 

nd.  cold. 

RECEIPTS   FOR   YEAR  ENDING   MARCH,   1896. 

£  s.  d. 

Bathers  3, 218  9  1 

"Washers   616  3  2'^ 

Soap,    etp 91  19  7 

Hire  of  hall 211  :?  6 

Hire  of  rooms 109  9  2 

Other  receipts 1.54  0  7 


Total 4.401     .3     1% 


11-  MaV(M:"s    ("OMMITTEK    ON    PlULIC    JiATII.S. 

EXPENDITrRES   FOR  YEAR   ENDING   MARCH,   1896. 

£  s.  d. 

Repairs  aiul  mnintcuaiu-p  of  l)inl(liu^' 743  2  0 

Salaries  and  wages 1 , 341  12  2 

Rates,   taxes  and  insurance 462  14  10 

Water    630  8  8 

Gas  and  electricity 208  6  10 

Coal  and  coke 559  7  2 

Soai)  and  soda 36  12  8 

Trinting,  stationery  and  advertisements 48  11  5 

Engineer's  supplies 18  7  8 

Towels 113  4  4 

Brushes 16  4  6 

Nariuus  expenses 92  13  2 

'J'otal 4, 271  5  5 


NUMBER  OF   BATHERS  AND  WASHERS. 


■XEAR. 

Swimming 
baths. 

Private 
baths. 

Total 

number  of 

bathers. 

Wa.shers . 

1892-3 

1893-1 

81,490 

104,483 

73,625 

98,371 

99,305 
102,189 

99,109 
117,858 

180,795 
206,672 
172,734 
216,229 

19,853 
18,110 

1894-5 

1895-6 

20,450 
19,814 

Among  those  who  took  swimming  baths  were  4,125  children 
from  the  Board  schools,  who  paid  id.  each. 


I'OPL.VU,    LONDON. 

Poplar  Baths  were  opened  in  1852,  so  that  the  annual  repayment 
on  loans  now  amounts  to  only  £315,  and  the  interest  in  1895-6  was 
£129  los.  I  id.  Charges  vary  from  id.  to  is.  for  baths,  and  iki.  per 
hour  in  the  laundry. 

The  cold  season  of  1894  resulted  in  a  considerable  falling  off  in 
the  receipts  and  numl)er  of  l)athers.  which  was,  however,  retrieved  the 
following  year.  In  1894-5  substantial  repairs  were  undertaken  in  the 
second-class  swimming  bath  and  five  new  porcelain  first-class  private 
baths  were  added.  The  Commissioners  reconmiend  considerable 
alterations  in  the  laundry,  w  liich  needs  a  new  and  sul)stantial  flooring. 
It  is  desired  to  replace  the  old,  worn-out  hand  wringer  l)v  a  steam- 
driven  one,  as  the  labor  of  working  a  wringer  by  hand  is  far  too 


Copyright,  iSg7,  by  the  Mayor  s  CommitUe. 
Proposed    Undetground    Public   Comfort    Stations,    Greeley    Square.       It 
will  be   noted   that  the   park   effect  will    not  be   disturbed,  but  at  the  same 
time  a  much  needed  public  convenience  will  be  supplied. 


-a    £ 


MUMCII-AL    SVSTKM    OK    FOUKION     IJaI'IIS.  113 

heavy  for  women.    A  steam  washing  machine  for  tlie  towels,  and  a 

new  mangle  were  also  reqnired  if  the  lanndry  was  to  be  brought  up 
to  modern   standards. 

The  receipts  for  the  past  two  years  were  as  follows: 

1894-5.  1895-«. 

£      s.  d.  -     £     s.    d. 

I»oplar  School  Swimming  Club 23     2    0  23     2    0 

Toplar  School  Girls'  Swimming  Club T9  19     0  10  10    0 

London  School  Board 6  10  11  2  13     8 

OlluT  bathers    1,384     0  10  1,C88  14  11 

WashtMS 347  17     3  315     3     0 

Total 1.78110    0  2.040     3     7 


The  expenditures  for  the  same  period  were : 

1894-5. 

£     ^.  d. 

Salarii's  and  wages 1, 003    4  5 

Repairs  and  maintcuaucc 257  18    0 

Coal  and  coke 291     8  5 

Water 165  17  8 

Gas   SO    2  3 

Rates,  taxes  and  insurance 53  13  6 

Printing  and  stationery 32  15  0 

Soap   30  10  0 

Towels   51  18  0 

Brushes,  brooms,  etc 18     0  2 

Uniforms 10  19  11 

Ironmongery 19     1  7 

Small  expenses 20  14  1 

Total 2,036     3    0 


1885-6 

. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

1,040 

6 

10 

170 

7 

2 

219 

13 

9 

145 

10 

0 

51 

8 

6 

54 

11 

0 

24 

13 

0 

37 

14 

1 

20 

0 

7 

30 

14 

2 

15 

0 

5 

22 

6 

3 

23 

1 

11 

1,855 

13 

8 

The  numbers  using  the  establishment  for  the  same  period  were: 

Bathers:  lsw-5.  1895-6. 

Men 78,970  92,914 

Women 6,517  7,718 

Children  12. 610  16, 990 

Total 98,103  117,622 

Washers    10.025  9,244 

Number  of  hours  worked 55, 65S  50, 424 

8 


114 


Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 


ST.  GBORGK,  HANOVBR  SQUARE,  LONDON. 

The  Davies  Street  Baths  were  erected  in  1855,  at  a  cost,  including 
washhouse  accommodation,  of  £16,000.  The  average  annual  cost  is 
£4.320,  while  the  avcra'.:;'c'  annual  receipts  froin  K>athcr.s  are  only 
£1,486.  There  is  one  swinmiing  pool  and  forty-seven  private  batlis. 
The  laundry  provides  accommodations  for  thirty-six  washers  at  an 
annual  average  cost  of  £671. 

The  Buckingham  Palace  Road  Baths  were  rebuilt  in  1890  at  a 
cost  of  £45,238.  To  meet  the  great  demand  for  hot  water  it  was  found 
desirable  that  the  boilers  should  all  be  interchangeable  for  steam  and 
hot  water.  Steam  injectors  are  used  to  warm  the  swimming  baths. 
The  laundry  is  placed  in  the  rear  at  the  top  of  the  building,  being 
reached  by  an  elevator.  The  flooring  was  strengthened  for  the  hydro- 
extractors,  and  additional  rivets  placed  in  the  girders  to  prevent 
vibration. 


RECEIPTS  FOR  THE  YEAR  ENDING  MARCH  25.  1895. 


Receipts  from   bnfhers 

Soap  sold  to  bathers 

Keceipts   from    washers 

Soap  and  sot  la  «ohi  to  washers 

Total 


1,737  16     3 


Buckingham 
Palace  road. 


3,104     5     6 


EXPENDITURES  FOR  THE  YEAR!  ENDING  MARCH  25.  1895. 


Wages   and    divilnirseiiients 

Rents,  rates,  taxes  and  iiisuranue 

Coal  and  coke 

Water  Hiip[tly 

Gas . .    

Soap   and  soila 

^^ainteIKluee  «l'  huildin<x 

Engineer's   stores 

New  towels   and  di-:iwers 

Sundries 

Total 


Davies  street. 

Palace  road. 

£. 

s.     d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

941 

2     7 

1,563 

H 

11 

'2m 

9     4 

516 

7 

9 

376 

11     4 

728 

16 

4 

24K 

3    0 

626 

IS 

n 

140 

17    7 

17 

5 

6 

.'j.-i 

1     5 

105 

14 

7 

1,4.33 

10    5 

791 

15 

8 

14 

13    6 

IL'3 

12 

3 

123 

14  10 

2S5 

12 

1 

102 

0     0 

l^y-2 

19 

8 

3,702 

4,915 

11 

2 

Municipal  Svstk.m  oi-  Fokkhin   IIatiis. 
NUMBEK   OF   BATHERS  AND   WASHERS. 


115 


Bathers. 

Washers. 

Davies 
street. 

Buckingham 
Palace  road. 

DavleH 
street. 

Buckinj^ham 
Palace  road 

Year  ending  Marcli  25,  1895.. 
Year  ending  March  25,  1894. 

77,452 
90,874 

130,296 
185,472 

22,482 
20,904 

22,821 

SCALE  OP  CHARGES. 


s.    d. 


Fir.st-Class,  cold  bath (»  .i 

First-Class,  warm  bath 0  0 

Sec-oud-Chiss,  cold  bath 0  1 

Second-Chi.ss.  warm  bath 0  2 

First-Class  Swimming  Bath 0  (J 

First-Class  Swimming  Bath  (girls  under  12) 0  4 

Second-Class  Swimming  Bath 0  3 

Swimming   costume 0  2 

Washer.s: 

Ono  hour  or  less 0  1 

Between  one  and  two  hours 0  2% 

Between  two  and  three  hours 0  4% 

Every  subsequent  half-hour 0  1 


ST.   GILES-IN-THE-FIELDS   A\D   ST.    GEOIKiE,    IlLOO^ISHlItV,   LOMJON. 

These  parishes  took  early  advantage  of  tlie  Baths  and  Wash- 
houses  Act  and  erected  a  pubHc  bath  and  washhouse  in  1853  at  a 
cost  of  £20,000.  There  are  two  swimming  pools,  with  forty-six 
dressing  boxes  and  seventy-three  private  baths.  The  washhouse  is 
fitted  with  hot-air  chambers  for  drying,  Perkin's  stoves  and  ironing 
boards,  and  contains  accommodation  for  fifty-four  washers.  The 
establishment  was  closed  for  several  months  during  1893-4  for  re- 
pairs, so  that  the  receipts  show  a  large  decrease. 

RECEIPTS  FOR  YEAR  ENDING  MARCH  30,  1894. 

£      s.  d. 

Cash  from  bathers 776  12  6 

Ca.sh  from  washers 1. 118    5  10 

Cash  from  sale  of  soap 29  IG  11 

Cash  from  boolv  tickets IT     0  0 

Total 1,94115     3 


IIG 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


EXPENSES  FOR  YEAK  ENDING  MAKCH  30,  1894. 


Salaries  and  wages 

Water 

Gas   

Coal  and  coke 

Soap  and  soda 

Ironware  

M'ashing  towels 

Machinery  repairs  

Insurance    

Rates  and  taxes 

Printing  and  statioaery 

Furniture    

House  repairs  and  expenses. 
New' toweling  and  mailing.  . 

Total . 


£ 

s. 

d. 

860 

4 

10 

243 

19 

8 

103 

5 

0 

581 

17 

8 

20 

1 

0 

13 

- 

7 

29 

II 

0 

49 

17 

11 

13 

'J 

9 

120 

9 

4 

41 

1 

8 

30 

13 

9 

07 

9 

0 

7)1 

9 

9 

2.243     4  11 


NUMBER  OF  BATHERS. 


1892 
1893 
1894 


Private  Baths. 


74,506 
79,183 
36,600 


Women. 


10,634 
13,272 
10,959 


Swimming 

Baths. 
Men  only. 


16,767 

17,721 

9,818 


Total 
Bathers. 


Washers. 


101,907 

110,176 

57,377 


17,977 
45,549 
44,399 


SCALE   OF   CHARGES. 
First-class. 

Swimming  bath,  with  two  towels,  brushes,  etc 

Private  bath,  with  two  towels,  brushes,  etc . 

Private  bath,  cold,  with  two  towels,  brashes,  etc. . . 
Shower  bath,  warm,  with  two  towels,  brushes,  etc. 
Shower  bath,  cold,  with  two  towels,  brushes,  etc.  . . 

Second-class. 

Swimming  bath,  with  one  towel 

l*rivate  bath,  warm,  with  one  towel 

Private  bath,  cold,  with  one  towel 

Shower  bath,  warm,  with  one  towel 

SlKnvcr  bath,  cohl,   with  one  towel 


4d. 
Od. 
3d. 
Gd. 
3d. 


2d. 
2d. 
Id. 
4d. 
2<1. 


Municipal  Systkm  of  Fokkicn  Baths.  117 

Books  containiuj;-  140  2(1.  Imth  tickets  niiiy  b<>  purchased  at  £1  each. 

Washiii;;  i)laccs  with  wringiuf;  machines,  dryiuK  closets,  nian.cles  and 
irons:  For  the  first  two  lionrs,  I'id.  per  hour;  for  each  subsociuent  hour, 
2(1.  per  hour;   for  each  hall'-iiour.  Id. 

ST.    .I\>II0S,    VVKSTMINSTIOH.     I,<>M><>\. 

Tn  1846  "An  Act  to  Encourag-c  the  Establishment  of  Public 
Ikilhs  and  Washhouses  "  was  passed.  This  act  is  perniissive  in  char- 
acter, and  provides  means  for  the  establishment  of  baths  and  wash- 
houses  in  such  towns  and  parishes  wliose  members  determine  to 
avail  themselves  of  the  privilege  by  local  taxation.  The  act  was 
passed  in  August,  and  in  December  the  Vestry  of  St.  James  decided 
to  adopt  the  act  and  Iniild  a  bath  and  washhouse.  The  action  was 
significant  because  at  that  period  local  municipal  life  was  not  par- 
ticularly vigorous.  In  addition,  no  experience  offered  any  guide  as 
to  the  cost  of  such  buildings,  the  necessary  means  of  providing  the 
desired  accommodations,  the  extent  to  which  such  facilities  would  be 
used.  The  same  difficulty  confronted  St.  James  as  New  York: 
namely,  the  great  difficulty  of  securing  a  site,  as  almost  all  available 
land  had  been  taken.  However,  loans  were  placed  and  a  building  was 
erected  in  1852,  containing  a  laundry  with  fifty-six  compartments, 
forty-five  washing  baths  for  men,  fourteen  for  women,  and  a  swim- 
ming bath  forty  feet  by  thirty  feet.  The  building  was  opened  in  June 
and  from  that  time  to  the  end  of  the  year  74,643  bathers  and  8,600 
washers  used  the  establishment.  In  1853,  ^^^^  numbers  rose  to 
108,008  bathers  and  32,648  washers. 

The  pressure  was  so  great  for  improved  accommodations,  espe- 
cially for  women,  that  the  plant  was  extended  in  1861.  As  a  proof 
that  cleansing  baths  were  demanded,  in  1865  the  maximum  attend- 
ance was  reached,  when  160,480  tickets  were  issued  to  bathers  and 
70,057  to  washers. 

As  conveying  the  idea  of  the  extent  to  which  this  bath  has  been 
used,  the  following  tabulation  is  eloquent: 

Cost  of  erecting  (in  1851)  and  furniishing,  and  extending  (in 
18G1))  the  establishment £21,000 

Amount  borrowea  and  repaid £21 .  000 

Interest   13, 062 

Total £;u.  002 


118  Mayou's  Committke  on  I'iblic  Baths. 

Total  payiiiciits  from  the  pi. or  rate £;,4.!)71 

Less  suriilus  receipts -pajd  at  various  times  by  the  commis- 
sioners in  relief  of  the  poor  rate i>.  'ATiO 

Net  charge  on  the  jjoor  rate  (spread  over  a  period  of  47> 
y«ars)   £2o. 621 

Number  of  tickets  issued  to  washers  from  the  14th  of  Jiuk', 

lSr)2.  to  the  olst  of  December,  1892 2. <>.-)! . :{0B 

Number  of  bath  tickets  issued  during  the  same  period 4.r);',n.4l3 

Total  number  of  tickets  issued <>.  (;<Mi.  771) 

Total  receipts  from  bathers  and  washers  from  June  14.  18."')2. 

to  December  31,  1S92 £121.893 

The  practical  advantages  of  economy  and  the  provision  of  suit- 
able accommodations  throug^h  the  year  is  illtistrated  by  St.  James, 
which  for  £25,621  secured  a  freehold  site  and  building  complete  for 
carrying  on  a  large  bath  business,  whereby  six  and  three-quarter 
millions  of  bathers  and  washers  have  used  it  in  the  more  than  tw-o 
score  years  since  it  was  opened.'''  In  1890  the  Bath  Commissioners 
began  to  take  under  advisement  the  provision  of  a  swimming  bath. 
A  public  incjuiry  was  held  in  the  parish  and  although  previous  notice 
of  the  inquiry  had  been  widely  circulated,  only  three  taxpayers  ob- 
jected. The  cost  of  the  swimming  bath  now  opened  is  slightly  in 
excess  of  £6,000.  The  water  surface  of  the  bath  is  sixty  feet  bv 
twenty-two  feet.  A  fountain  has  been  fitted  up  at  one  end.  insuring  a 
constant  though  small  current  of  fresh,  tepid  water  throughout  the 
whole  length  of  the  bath,  thus  combining  the  effects  of  a  gentle  run- 
ning stream  with  the  safety  of  an  enclosed  bath.  The  bottom  and 
sides  of  the  bath,  up  to  the  water  level,  are  white  glazed  tiles  upon 
which  is  an  ornamental,  hand-painted  tile  frieze.  Dressing  boxes 
are  placed  in  a  series  of  arched  recesses  along  the  sides  of  the  bath. 
The  present  accommodations  at  the  St.  James  Public  Baths  and 
Washhouscs  consist  of  the  following: 

ACCOMMODATIONS. 

Swimming  baths— One  G()  feot  by  22  feet.     One  40  feet  by  30  feet 
I'rivale.  baths — First-class:     23  for  men;  13  for  women. 
Private  batlis — Set-oud-elaSvS:     41  for  men;  13  for  women. 

♦Upwards  of  l.jO.OtMj  tickets  lia.ve  been  issued  every  yi'ar,  and  the 
receipts  average  rather  more  than  the  working  expenses. 


Municipal  System  or  Foreign  Baths.  Ill) 


;  SCALE   OF  CIIAIIGES. 

Swiniiiiin^  h.'ith:  s.  d. 

First-class  ^  ♦i 

Set'ond-elass   <^  ^ 

Second-class  (Sundays) t)  3 

Private  baths: 

First-class,  warm  (use  of  two  towels) 0  ff 

First-class,  cold  (use  of  two  towels) 0  (5 

Second-class,  warm  (use  of  oue  towel) 0  2 

Second-class,  cold  (use  of  one  towel) 0  1 


RECEIPTS. 

1893.  1®4. 

£     s.  d.  f    8.    d. 
Bathers  (including  payments  for  swimming  in- 
struction)  1,550     G     0  1,61G     3  10 

Washers 1,400  15     2  1,342    4     9 

Soap,  etc 119     2  10  118     3     5 


Totals 3,070     4     0       3,076  12     0 


N       WORKING  EXPENSES. 

1893.  1894. 

i       S.   d.  £     S.  d. 

Salaries  and  wajjes 1, 222  12    5  1, 197     1  1 

Printing,  stationery,  advertising 93     2     8  46  18  8 

Fuel    457     3  10  423     8  6 

Gas   148  15     6  142  10  0 

Water 391  19     0  410  19  0 

Rates,  taxes,  insurance 76  11     7  139    4  7 

Soap,  soda,  etc 08  19     4  72  12  1 

Engineer's  supplies   100  13     1  89     9  2 

Renewals  and  repairs 80  16    3  185    8  3 

Towels,  costumes,  etc 97  16    0  

Brushes   18  13  10  21     0  9 

Miscellaneous  disbusements   56     5     2  40  12  6 

Totals 2, 813    8     8  2, 769     4  7 


•   NUMBER  OF  BATHERS. 
Private  baths:  1893.  1894. 

Men  tirst-cl.iss 22. 167  21. 7()5 

Men,  second-class 46, 575  44, 909 

Women,  first-class 5,342  5, 112 

Women,  second-class 19,043  19,383 


120  M. wok's  Committke  on  Public  Baths. 

Swimming  baths:                                                                    ,.,03  ,^^94 

Men,  first-class 4.  728  10, 4:i9 

Men,   second-class 2.").  211  21 ,  178 

Women,  first-class   46.")  1 .  990 


Totals 12:i,531  124,800 


LAUNDRY  STATISTICS. 
Number  of  stalls,  84.     Inclusive  charge,  2d.  jn  r  hour. 

1893.  1894. 

Numbe^T  of  washers 43. 681  44, 570 

Number  of  hours 108,091  161,008% 

Average  hours  per  washer 3 .  84  3 .  50 


ST.    MARTIN'S-IN-THE    FIELDS,    L.ONDON. 

Tlie  Public  Baths  of  St.  Martin's  were  opened  in  1849  ^^  a  cost 
for  erection,  fitting,  etc.,  of  £20,140.  There  is  no  swimming  bath, 
but  sixty-one  private  baths,  at  which  a  charge  is  made  of  6d.  first-class 
and  2(\.  second-class  for  a  warm  bath,  and  3d.  first  class  and  id. 
second  class  for  a  cold  bath.  The  laundry  has  provisions  for  sixty- 
one  washers,  and  is  situated  on  the  second  floor.  There  are  tubs 
with  hot  and  cold  Vvater,  with  a  second  tub  with  steam  pipes  attached 
behind  the  washing  tub  for  boiling,  drying  horses  heated  bv  coke 
fires,  wringing  machines,  and  stoves  for  heating  irons.  The  charges 
are  i^d.  the  first  hour,  2id.  one  hour  and  a  half,  3d.  for  two  hours 
and  id.  for  each  succeeding  half-hour. 

RECEIPTS  FOR  YEAR  ENDING  DECEMBER  31,  1893. 

£  s.  d. 

From  bathers   9."(>  6  id 

From  washers  741  14  s 

Soap  sold 46  14  2 

Use  of  extra  towels 1  l  .">  ;i 

Total 1,740  10  11 

EXPENSES   FOR  YEAR  ENDING   DECEMBER  31.   1893. 

£      s.    d. 

Wages  and  salaries 772     0     6 

Repairs  and  maintenance 992    5     (i 

Rent    78     0     0 

Itiil.es,  taxes  and  insurance 93  18    ."> 


Mr.NICIl'AI.    SVSTKM    OF    FoKKKJN    I>ATHS.  121 

£      s.  d. 

■Water 189     5  C. 

<;as   77     (;  M 

Coal  and  coke 634     2  4 

Soap  and   smln 14   17  .". 

Towels   r)2  1  -J  n 

Itubber  coixls 32  !.">  ti 

Vant)us  disbursemciits   3S     S  r» 

Total 3,07n  i:{  2 


WKSTMIXSTKH,    LONDON. 

The  first  Westminster  Public  Baths  were  opened  in  1851,  and 
were  only  tlie  fourtli  of  their  l<ind  in  London.  They  were  entirely 
rebuilt  in  1893  ^t  a  cost  of  £32.800,  and  washhouses  opened  in  con- 
nection with  them.  Next  door  is  the  chief  Westminster  Public 
Library,  an  extremely  fine  building-,  opened  at  the  same  time,  to  take 
the  place  of  the  old  building  across  the  street.  The  proximity  of  the 
library  to  the  baths  is  a  peculiarly  fortunate  one,  and  should  greatly 
assist  the  popularity  of  both.  At  the  request  of  the  Vestry,  the  Com- 
missioners of  Baths  undertook  to  construct  their  furnaces  so  as  to 
destroy  part  of  the  house  refuse,  and  permission  was  given  to  them 
to  form  vaults  under  the  sidewalk  and  pavement  to  receive  the  refuse. 
On  the  upper  floors  are  placed  the  Board  room,  the  Superintendent's 
.office  and  his  private  apartments,  the  laundry  and  the  Engineers's 
apartments.  The  first-class  swimming  bath  is  132  feet  long  by  31 
feet;  the  depth  varies  from  three  feet  to  seven  feet.  Over  one  hun- 
dred dressing  boxes  are  provided.  The  polo  goals  are  fitted  with  nets 
and  bells,  the  length  of  play  being  seventy-five  feet  and  depth  of  water 
for  polo  four  feet  six  inches  to  seven  feet.  There  is  a  special  platform 
for  water  polo  referees  and  a  diving  board  for  learners  at  the  half 
distance.  Quite  a  number  of  swimming  clubs,  including  several 
ladies'  clubs,  make  these  baths  their  headquarters,  and  special  ar- 
rangements are  made  for  them.  Entertainments  are  frequently  given 
at  the  baths,  over  2.000  spectators  being  accommodated  at  the  Inter- 
national Entertainment  of  the  Ravensbourne  Club.  A  popular  in- 
novation is  the  water  chute,  which  is  used  by  scores  of  merry  bathers. 
The  baths  are  under  the  superintendence  of  Mr.  Charles  Newman, 
who  has  his  whole  heart  in  the  work,  and  many  encomiums  have 


122  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

been  bestowed  on  his  management  by  London  and  Provincial  Com- 
missioners who  have  visited  them.  The  boys  from  the  pubHc  ele- 
mentary schools  are  admitted  either  on  payment  of  the  sum  of  id. 
or  on  a  special  voucher  signed  by  the  head  master  or  mistress  free. 
Mr.  Newman  teaches  these  boys  swimming  for  the  pleasure  he  takes 
in  it,  but  often  he  has  to  stop  the  boys  whom  he  finds  so  hungry  as  to 
be  unequal  to  the  exertion.  jMr.  Newman  has  saved  five  people  from 
drowning,  and  has  the  Royal  Humane  Society's  medal  for  saving  life. 
In  winter  the  first-class  swimming  bath  is  closed,  the  second-class  one 
being  used  for  first-class  bathers  half  the  week  and  for  the  second- 
class  on  the  other  days,  and  the  water  kept  at  a  temperature  of  75 
degrees.  The  laundry  is  fitted  up  with  washing  troughs,  steam  drying 
horses,  mangles,  irons,  three  hydro-extractors,  and  a  ventilating  fan. 
There  is  accommodation  for  eighty-four  washers,  who  are  expected 
to  provide  their  own  soap  and  starch,  but  may  buy  them  at  the 

laundrv. 

ACCOMMODATION   PROVIDED. 

Swimming  baths — One  132  feet  by  31  feet;  3  diviag  boards,  spring 
board  and  water  cliiite.     One  74  feet  by  24  feet;  2  diving  boards. 

Number  of  slippor  baths — First-class,  20  for  men,  8  for  women;  sic-ond- 
cla>ss,  20  for  men,  8  for  women. 

SCALE  OF  CHARGES. 

s.    d- 

First-class  swimming  or  private  baths 0     6 

Second  class  swimming  bath 0     3 

Second-class  private  bath 0    2 

AVHITECHAPEL,    LONDON  — TWO    POOLS. 

This  establishment  was  opened  in  August,  1878,  and  is  under  the 
control  of  seven  commissioners.  The  private  baths  are  eighty-nine 
in  nnmljcr.  The  public  laundry  comprises  thirty-eight  washing  com- 
partments, with  tlie  necessary  tubs,  wringers,  mangles  and  drying 
chambers.  The  charge  of  the  laundry  is  three  half-pence  an  hour, 
and  the  washhouses  are  open  on  week  days  only,  throughoitt  the 
year,  from  eight  in  the  morning  until  eight  at  night.  It  was  not  until 
1886  that  swinnning  i)0()ls  were  opened  at  an  expense  of  £5.639 
i6s.  id.  As  usual  there  are  two  ])ools;  the  first  class,  100  feet  by 
32  feet,  the  second  class,  53  feet  by  28  feet. 


Municipal  System  of  Foreign  Baths. 

WIIITECHAPEL  (GOULSTON  STREET). 


123 


1878.     1879 


1880. 


1881.     1882.     1883.     1884 


1885. 


BatluTs; —  i 

First  cla.sN 4  ,;)!»(»  15,2:47  19,917: 18.991  19,344  19,714  22, 8.56'22, 249 

Second  class 21 .77()!49, 912  63,134  64,5l9l68,07;i  66,92ti  75,5(i7  76,249 


Totals. 
Washer.s  . . 


26,766 


5,624 


6.-.,  149  83, 051  83, 51(il87, 4 17  86, 640  98, 363 


;6, 964  28, 321  29,82427,693  25,681,24,442 


98,489 


23,461 


1886. 


24,737 
79,535 


104,272 


21,960 


1887. 


1888.      1889.    1890-1. 


1891-2    1892-3.  1893-4. 


Bathers : —  I  i 

First  cla.ss !  25,771    25,952    27.372    29.208    30,7^4^  30,048    29.726 

Second  elas.s j  84,115j  88,411    93,647   98,4c3  103,913  102.441    99,338 

Totals '109,886  114,363  121,019  127,611  134,697|132,4g2|l29,0f)4 

Washers 


20,956   21,826   21,018   20,595|  20,563    18,730 


17,256 


1894-5 


21,908 
73,433 

95,341 

11,32& 


NUMBER  OF  B.^THERS  USING  THE  SWIMMING  BATHS. 


1889-90. 

1890-1. 

1891-2     1892-3. 

1893-4 

1894-5 

Women's  gecond  class. 

Men's  second  class 

Women's  first  class 

Men's  first  class 

45,175 

530 

37,127 

38^629 
317 

38,120 

2,277       1,181 

34,586     25,512 

415           609 

36,181     32,145 

1 44,845  1 
j  30,824  j 

33,444 

323 

23,. 360 

1,142 

Totals 

82,832  1  77,066 

73,459     59,447 

1 

75,669 

58,269- 

RECEIPTS  OF    BATHS   AND  WASHHOUSES   FOR   THE   PARISH    OF    ST. 
MARY,  WHITECHAl'EL,  FROM  MARCH  25,  1893,  TO  MARCH  25,  1895. 


Receipts 

from  warm 

baths 

Receipts 
from  wash- 
houses. 

Receipts 

from  sale 

of  soap. 

Receipts 

from 

swimming 

baths. 

Receipts 

from 

swimming 
clubs. 

Receipts 

from 
bathing 
dresses. 

Interest  on 
deposit. 

Total 
receipts 
from     all 
sources. 

1893-4 
£1,559 

1894-5. 
£1,149 

£.541 
352 

£24 
16 

£841 
546 

£388 
368 

£136 

89 

£7 
6 

£3,496 
2,526- 

124 


MaYOU'S    CO.M.MITTKK    OX    Pui.LlC    l^ATIIS. 


EXPENDITURES  FOR  BATHS  AND  WASHHOUSES  FOR  THE 
PARISH  OF  ST.  MAi;V.  WI II  rFCH.XPKT.,  FHO.M  MARCH  25.  181)3. 
TO   MARCH  25,   1895. 


Repairs,     flttliiK**. 
maintenance, etc. 

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1893-1 
£2r>4 

£ 
32 

£ 
113 

£ 
42  i 

4-22 

£ 
251 

236 

£ 
917 

762 

£ 
632 

472 

£ 
174 

115 

£ 

£ 

£ 

32 

32 

£ 
134 

112 

£ 
399 

376 

£ 

26 

56 

£ 
152 

95 

£ 
3,506 

3,681 

1894-5. 
£135 

750 

86 

KniXBURGH,    SCOTLAND. 

At  the  E(linl)urg]i  Baths  a  charge  of  2d.  is  made  to  each  visitor. 
Lessons  in  swimming-  are  given  at  a  charge  of  6d.  each  lesson,  5s.  for 
twelve,  to  adults;  3d.  each  lesson  for  boys  and  girls,  2s.  for  a  course  of 
twelve  lessons.  There  are  two  swimming  pools,  the  small  first-class 
one  being  reserved  for  women  on  Mondays,  \^^ednesdays,  Fridays 
and  part  of  Saturday.  Special  arrangements  are  made  for  School 
Board  children  at  reduced  rates  at  fixed  hours. 


PRIVATE  PLUNGE  BATHS. 

s.  ti. 

Reserved  si>ecial,  first-class,  each  person 1  o 

First-class,  each  person 0  G 

First-class,  twelve  tickets 5  0 

Second-class,  each  person 0  H 

Second-class,   twelve  tickets 2  f, 

SWIMMING  BATHS. 

s.  d. 

First-class,  each  adult  person 0  4 

First-class,  twelve  tickets ^  <> 

First-class,  boys  and  girls  under  14  years 0  .'> 

First-class,  twelve  tickets 2  d 

Second-class,  each  adult  person 0  2 

Second-class,  twelve  tickets 1  0 

Sofond-class,  boys  and  cirls  under  14  years 0  i\-> 

SfT'ond-class,   twelve   tickets 1  0 

Restricted  charge  for  school  children 0  l 

Use  of  bathinff  pants,  per  pair 0  014 

Use  of  bathiuR  costume 0  1 

Use  of  bathing  cap 0  04 


MUNICITAL    h^YSTKM    OK    FoUIOION    BaTHS.  125 

GLASGOAV,    SCOTLAND. 

Glasgow  is  not  satisfk'il  with  providint;  public  baths  for  the  use 
of  its  citizens,  but  aims  to  create  a  demand  for  these  necessities  of 
cleanliness  and  health.  It  was  actually  proposed  to  teach  everybody 
swinnning-  <;ratuilously.  and  for  this  purpose  to  establish  small,  prop- 
erly-eciuipped  teaclniim"  pools  in  every  school.  As  the  same  l)athers 
and  washers  come  with  great  regularity,  it  was  estimated  that  the 
numbers  using  the  baths  and  vvashhouses  were  only  about  5,000 
swimmers,  5,000  hot  bathers  and  3,000  washers.  This  does  not  repre- 
sent a  \'er\-  large  pro])ortion  in  a  city  of  700,000  population.  Another 
suggestion  made  was  to  erect  smaller  washhouses  throughout  the 
city.  Experience  proves  that  a  supply  of  public  facilities  for  washing 
clothes  creates  a  demand  even  in  localities  where  every  tenement  has 
its  own  washhouse  and  drying  court.  ( )f  the  washers  more  than  half 
reside  within  tiie  radius  of  a  ((uartcr  of  a  mile  and  very  few  outside 
the  half-mile  limit. 

TKADE. 

I'p  to  1895  the  Corporation  had  undertaken  to  wash  linen  of 
families  at  its  establishments  at  reasonable  rates,  employing  for  this 
purpose  thirty-two  washers  and  ironers.  The  receipts  in  1894-5  were 
£1,378  4s.  id. ;  expenses,  £1,130  4s.  id.,  leaving  a  net  surplus  of  £248. 
The  l^'actory  and  Workshops  Act  of  1895  introduced  certain  regula- 
tion in  laundries  "  carried  on  by  way  of  trade  or  for  the  purposes  of 
gain,"  which  would  have  involved  considerable  expense.  This  the 
Corporation  was  unwilling  to  undertake.  For  this  reason,  and  also 
on  advice  that  the  power  to  carry  on  such  a  business  for  profit  was 
not  legally  besto\yed  on  the  city  by  the  Act  of  Parliament  providing 
for  the  erection  of  baths  and  washhouses,  it  was  resolved  to  discon- 
tinue employing  assistance,  and  in  future  only  to  have  the  towels,  etc., 
used  at  the  baths  done  by  the  Corporation's  employes. 


ilm; 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


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MUNICII'AL    SySTKM    of    FOREIGN    BaTHS. 


127 


SCALE  OF  CIIAKGES. 

Swimmiuj?  pools:  s.  d. 

Adults (I  2 

Hoys  and  jrirls  under  13  years 0  i 

Women,   tAvclve  tickets 1  (i 

Koys  Mini   .irii'ls,    twtlvf   tickets 0  it 

Season  tickets: 

Men,  six  months,  April  1  to  September  3t) 10  0 

Men,  t\velve  months,  .January  1  to  l>ecemher  ;n 12  <> 

Women,  six  months,  April  1  to  September  30 3  0 

W'omen,  nine  months,  March  1  to  November  30 4  0 

Swimming  club  members,  thirteen  tickets  for  the  price  of  twelve. 
Use  of  Pools  (to  clubs)  between  9  and  10  p.  m. 

Larpe  pool,  one  night  weekly,  40  bathers 6  8 

For  each  additional  bather 0  1 

Small  pool,  one  night  weekly,  24  bathers 4  0 

For  each  additional  bather 0  1 

Private  liot  batlis: 

Men,  first-class,  each  bather 0  G 

Men,  second-class,  each  bather 0  4 

Tickets  in  i)arcels  of  twelve  each,  tirst-class 4  6 

Tickets  in  parcels  of  twelve  each,  second-class 3  0 

W'omen,  each  bather 0  3 

Women,  tickets  in  parcels  of  twelve 2  3 

W.ashhouses: 
For  use  of  stall,  wringing  and  drying  appliances,  hot  and  cold  water, 

per  hour 0  2 

Use  of  washing  board 0  1 


RFX'EIPrS  FROM  BATHERS,  1894-1895. 


Greenhead. 

Woodside. 

Cranston  Hill. 

Townhead. 

Gorbals. 

Total. 

£      8.    d. 
916     8     8 

£      8.    d. 

105y    5    4 

£       8.     (1. 

814     7  11 

£    s.  d. 
1030    7    7 

£      8.    d. 
1472     1  11 

£    8.   d. 
5292  11    5 

RECEIPTS  AND  EXPENDITURES. 


Year. 

Bathers. 

Washings. 

Receipts. 

Expenditures. 

1891-2 

514,233 
510,449 
546,024 
527,313 

162,. =158 
170,687 
173,327 
197,035 

£       s.   d. 

9,722     0     1 

9.629     4     4 

9,640  13    8 

10,288    0    0 

£      s.  d. 
12,449     4     1 
11,420    9     6 
11,218  12  10 

1892-3 

1893-4 

1894-5 

12,294    0    0 

128 


Mayor's  Committer  on  Public  Baths. 


The  decrease  in  the  number  of  bathers  in  1894,  as  compared  with 
the  preceding  year,  is  due  to  the  unfavorable  weather.  Notwith- 
standing this,  the  revenue  showed  an  increase,  owing  to  the  extra- 
ordinary increase  in  the  number  of  washers.  How  largely  the  tem- 
perature of  the  air  affects  the  number  of  bathers  may  be  seen  from 
the  following  table  lor  the  months  of  June  to  Xovember,  1891: 


Weekly  average 
trmporatures ]     70° 

Corresi)on«liug  with 
weekly  receipts 
from   ponds . 


June. 

July. 

Au^st. 

September. 

October. 

t 
70° 

67° 

66° 

64° 

63° 

60° 

590 

58° 

57° 

51C 

48° 

£135 

£125 

£97 

£98 

£96 

£68 

£66 

£48 

£35 

£26 

£20 

Not. 


47° 


DEFICir   PROVIDKI)  FROM   ASSESSME.NTS. 

f       s.    d.                                                         £  s.  (1. 

1891-2 2.  TTG     4     0        1893-4 1 ,  r)78  0  0 

1892-" 1.791     5     2        1894-5 2.(H)6  0  0 


UERIilX,    GERMANY. 

Berlin  has  earned  well-merited  commendation  for  the  excellence 
of  its  baths,  but  it  does  not  yet  consider  the  provisions  made  suffi- 
cient, and  has  four  large  city  baths  and  several  river  baths  in  process 
of  erection.  Though  there  is,  as  would  be  expected,  a  deficit  on  the 
river  baths,  the  city  derives  a  small  profit  from  the  baths  taken  alto- 
gether.    The  following  is  the  balance  sheet  for  1894-5: 


RECEIPTS. 
By  river  baths ?9, 605 

By  city  baths: 

(a)  Moabit !«11,916 

(b)  Schillingsbriicki"   1S.4U7 

30.323 

Berlin  Society  for  People's  Baths 900 

Total HO,  828 


CADd-  BCR&»OCC. 


Copyright,  iS-q-j,  by  the  Mayoj's  Committee. 

Suggested  Public  Comfort  Stations,  to  be  located  under  the  stairwav  of 
the  Elevated  Railroad  Stations.  Each  station  could  be  sufficiently  large  to 
accommodate  some  of  the  utensils  o*  the  street-cleaning  department 


-Tcti  roR  Public  ConroRi  jw 


CAwBtlKXli"- 


Copyright,  iSgy,  by  the  Mayor's  Committee. 

Suggested    Public   Comfort  Station,  to    be   located   within  the 
against  dead  walls.       Each    policeman's    post    should    contain  at 
Public  Comfort  Station,  thus  affording  a  convenience  for  letter  carri 
sweepers  and    policemen,   thereby  removing  the   necessity   of   util 
saloons,  a  usage  which  is  in  violation  of  the  law 


area  line, 
least  one 
ers,  street 
izing  the 


MUNICII'AL    SyST1;.\I     <»F    FoUICKJN    liATMS.  121) 

EXPENDITURES. 

River  baths   $12,447 

City   baths: 

(a)  Moabit $11,620 

(b)  Srhillin.irsl>nick(> ll.tiTI 

Total $38,138 

Surplus ^.600 

$40,828 
I.  River  Baths. 

CITY    ORPHAN    ASYLU-M. 

There  is  usually  a  considerable  deficit  on  these  baths,  caused  by  the 
large  nuniberof  free  cards  given.  The  Poor  Commission  and  the  City 
Orplian  Asylum  issued  22,696  of  these  cards  in  1894-5,  which  were 
used  on  an  average  sixteen  times.  The  previous  year  20,380  cards 
were  used  an  average  of  twenty  times  each.  Besides  this,  children 
from  several  institutions  are  admitted  free  without  tickets.  There  was 
a  large  increase  in  the  number  of  bathers  in  1893  in  consequence  of  the 
warm  weather,  and  there  would  probably  have  been  a  surplus,  but 
the  baths  had  to  be  closed  a  month  earlier  than  usual  on  account  of 
the  cholera,  and  the  wages  of  the  attendants  were  paid  in  full.  The 
season  1894-5  was  a  bad  one,  and  there  was  a  delay  of  two  months 
in  opening  two  of  the  baths.  The  prices  had  been  reduced  in  many  of 
the  baths,  and  there  were  many  expensive  repairs.  The  largest 
attendance  in  1894  was  23,775  in  the  seventeen  baths  on  July  24th; 
16,183  men  and  7,592  women;  this  was  1,561  more  than  the  best 
day  —  July  8th  —  of  1893,  when  22,214  people  bathed  in  seventeen 
baths.  Two  more  new  baths  are  about  to  be  opened,  and  will  largely 
increase  the  acconnnodation  already  provided.  The  number  using 
the  river  baths  in  the  season  of  1894  was  as  follows: 


1894. 

1893. 

Free. 

On  pay- 
ment. 

Total. 

Free. 

On  pay- 
ment. 

Total. 

Men: 

01(1  liathinj;  establishments 
New  batliiiigestablisliments 

^^'omeIl  : 
01(1  bathing  establislinients 
New  bat  hi  ng  establish  men  ts 

185,372 
59,566 

89,295 
22,061 

108,944 
184,876 

82,502 
72,589 

294,316 
244,442 

171,797 
94,650 

240,634 
60,780 

94,330 
20,44ti 

125,918 
246,496 

9i,917 
71,257 

3(56,552 
307,276 

187,247 
91,703 

Total   

356,294 

448,911 

805,205 

416,190 

536  588   ^^'^  T^^ 

130 


Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 


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MlMCIPAI.    SVSTIC.M    OK    FoRIOIGN    BaTHS. 


i:'.l 


J.  City  Public  Baths. 

CONCESSIONS. 

Berlin  has  at  present  two  liandsomcly  appointed  public  bathing 
establishments,  containing  swimming  halls,  slipper  and  douche  baths. 
It  is  intended  to  build  four  similar  establishments  in  various  parts  of 
the  city  during  the  next  eight  years,  and  the  swimming  pools  are  to 
be  even  larger,  as  the  present  ones  have  proved  so  attractive.  In 
1894,  in  consequence  of  complaints  from  private  bathing  establish- 
ments, it  was  agreed  to  build  neither  slipper  nor  douche  baths  of  the 
first  class,  nor  vapor  baths,  and  the  prices  of  slipper  baths  were  raised. 
Not  enough  time  has  yet  elapsed  to  judge  of  the  first  effect  of  this  on 
the  attendance,  though  the  results  for  the  year  show  a  considerable 
falling  off  in  first-class  slipper  baths,  and  in  women's  second-class 
•slipper  baths.  Whether  the  private  establishments  are  now  satisfied 
or  not,  the  city  will  make  no  further  concessions,  as  it  considers  the 
public  health  demands  this  limit  as  the  minimum  requirement.  The 
accommodation  already  provided  is  as  follows: 


Moabit. 

Schillingsbrucke 

Swimming  pool : 
Area 

Depth  (trreatest) 

Dressing  rooms : 
Number             .    ... 

59  ft.  X  29  ft.  6  in. 
9  f:.  10  in. 

16 

3  ft    11  in.  X  3  ft.  6  in. 

7  ft.  2  in. 

80 

15 

42 

6  ft.  6  in.  X  8  ft.  2  in. 
7  ft.  2  in. 

7 

22 
8  ft.  6  in.  X  4  ft.  3  in. 

52  ft.  6  in.  X  26  ft.  3  in. 

22 

Heij-lit  of  partition. 

Other  dressing  accommoda- 
tion for 

Slipi)er  baths  : 

Number  1st  class 

Number  2d  class 

98 

7  for  men  and  5  for  women 
25  for  men  and  20  for  women 

Area -- 

Heifrht  of  partition 

Douche  baths : 

Number  Ist  class 

Number  2d  class 

9  for  men,  3  for  women. 
32  for  men,  11  for  women. 

Area       .   . ... 

The  outlay  for  site  and  building  of  these  two  establishments  was 
as  follows: 


rA-2 


.MaVdIv's    ( 'o.M.MlTTKK    ON    l^UBLIC    BaTIIS. 


Cost  of  btiildings  and  machiner.v 

Cost  (if  sit*^ 

Cost  of  fittings 

Total 


Schillingsbriicke. 


.  $87,339  07 

*  25,394  60 

131  8.'j 


$102,776  73 
43,839  60 


$112,865  52  i     $146,616  33 

\ ■ 


RECEIPTS. 


By  bathers 

By  i>rofit  on  swiiumiug  instruc- 
tion  

By  loan  of  towels,  etc. : 

(a)  In  swimmiiifihall 

(b)  In  otlier  baths 

By  storing  private  towels,  bath- 
ing drawers,  etc 

By  profit  on  soap  and  sea  salt  . .. 
By  rent  of  dwellings  to  employes 
By  other  recei  pts 

Total  


Moabit. 


Schillingsbriicke. 


189-1-5. 


$11,042  45 

162  55 

363  63 
25  97 

183  26 
62  40 

""75'43 


189.3-4. 


1891-5. 


1893-4. 


$10,531  32   $17,306  66 
139  11  I         138  87 

84 


$11,915  69 


395  94 
16  60 

139  53 
52  66 

"196 


$11,277  06 


576 
15 

134 

72 

155 

6 


$10 


,973  16 

73  84 

356  18 
7  88 

S5  50 

'2<  46 

116  41 

2  73 


$18,406  83     $11,644  16 


WORKING  EXPENDITURE. 


Moabit. 

Schillingsbriicke. 

1894-5. 

1893-4. 

1894-5. 

1893-4. 

$3,923  27 

2,999  14 

540  02 

2,680  36 

529  94 
357  14 
147  27 

"iisio 

$3,727  43 

3,055  60 

574  42 

2,464  73 

419  45 
350  84- 
138  25 

$4,849  87 

3.064  01 

598  30 

3.238  47 

911  34 
641  36 
172  35 
278  16 
316  75 

$3,347  61 

2,343  25 

560  06 

Water               

2,316  57 

Maintenance    of    biiiMings    and 

121  07 

378  66 

160  25 

125  dozen  towels 

269  54 

437  97 

I'ota!                     

$11,620  24 
11,915  69 

$11,000  26 
11,277  06 

$14,070  61 
18,406  83 

$9.6t!5  44 

11,644  16 

$295  45 

$276  80 

$J,336  22 

$1,978  72 

MUNICII'AL    SysTIOM    OF    FoKEIGN    BaTHS. 


13.3 


•         COST    OF    WATKIl. 

The  increase  in  the  cost  of  the  water  at  the  Moabit  baths  was  due 
to  the  fact  that  it  was  found  impossible  to  use  the  deep  wells,  and  the 
city  water  had  to  be  used  entirely.  Two  new  wells  are  to  be  made 
and  it  is  exjiectcd  tliat  thrcc-cjuarters  of  the  water  can  then  be  ob- 
tained from  this  source,  while  formerly,  on  account  of  the  great 
quantity  of  iron  in  the  water,  it  has  only  been  possible  to  use  two- 
thirds  of  the  well  water.  It  is  estimated  that  the  cost  of  the  wells  will 
be  covered  within  a  year  by  the  lessened  cost  of  the  water. 

Of  the  amount  spent  at  this  establishment  for  maintenance,  $216 
was  for  tiling  the  walls  of  tlie  two  cleansing-rooms  attached  to  tlic 
swimming  bath. 

The  following  was  the  attendance  at  the  baths  for  the  last  two 
vears: 


Moabit. 

Schillingsbrucke. 

1894-5. 

1893-4. 

1894-5. 

1893-4. 

Men. 

Women. 

Men. 

Women 

Men. 

Women. 

Men 

Women. 

Slipper  bath  (first 
class)  

Slipper   bath  (sec- 
ond class)  

Douclie  batli  (first 
class)  

Donche  b.itii  (sec- 
ond class)  

Swimming  bath : 

Over  14  

Under  14 

9,384 
42,414 

3,056 

20,821 

46,619 
18,700 

2,633 

22,157 

431 

2,510 

10,408 
9,606 

12,667 

42,513 

3,639 

13,940 

46,884 
18,052 

5,143 

24,827 

2,733 

9,080 
7,654 

9,247 
57,824 

6,972 

69,229 

82,986 
30,481 

2,457 

33,795 

165 

7,743 

14,692 
10,872 

8,91^ 
39,550 

3,576 

33,317 

53,824 
18,065 

3,165 

24,234 

111 

3,520 

9,417 
4,392 

Total  

140,994 

47,745 

137,695 

49,437 

256,739   69,724 

157,250 

44,839 

MOABIT    H.VTHS  — ART    OF    S^VIMMIIVG. 

The  Moabit  Baths  were  first  opened  on  November  i,  1892.  A 
severe  winter  followed.  The  attendance,  1893-4,  showed  a  good  in- 
crease. In  1894-5  the  increase  in  prices  previously  alluded  to  caused 
a  decrease  in  the  number  of  first  and  second-class  slipper  baths,  and 
of  first-class  douche  baths  taken.  The  unfavorable  winter  of  1894-5 
also  influenced  the  baths  badly,  so  that  there  was  only  the  very  small 
increase  of  less  than  i  per  cent.    The  average  attendance  per  day  was 


134  Mayor's  Committkk  ox  Publk;  Baths. 

517,  while  in  1893-4  it  was  512.  During  the  months  of  January  to 
March,  1895,  the  numbers  using  the  swimming  bath  were  9,477  men 
and  1,854  women,  and  formed  34.7  per  cent,  of  the  total  number  of 
baths  taken,  while  in  1894  the  numbers  were  higher,  11,119  "^^^^  ^^^ 
1,952  women,  but  the  percentage  was  smaller  —  33-6.  The  best 
attendance  was  on  the  Saturday  before  Whitsunday,  May,  12,  1894, 
when  2,635  persons  bathed —  1,352  in  the  slipper  baths,  482  in  the 
douche  baths  and  801  in  the  swimming  baths.  The  Saturday  before 
Whitsuntide,  May  20,  1893,  2,145  people  bathed,  so  that  this  showed 
an  increase  of  490  or  22.8  per  cent.  The  least  number  of  baths  given 
was  on  January  i,  1895  —  124  —  against  88  taken  on  January  5,  1894. 
During  the  }ear  1894-5  swimming  instruction  was  given  to  363  per- 
sons—  155  men  and  158  women,  while  in  1893-4  268  persons,  of 
whom  143  were  men  and  125  were  women,  were  instructed  in  this  art. 

On  January  i,  1895,  women  received  the  privilege  of  using  the 
swimming  bath  on  ^Monday  evenings  from  6.30  to  9,  while  before  they 
had  only  been  allowed  the  use  of  it  from  10.30  a.  m.  to  12  m.,  and 
from  2  to  4  p.  m.  on  week  days.  Owing  to  the  colder  weather  no  com- 
parison can  be  made.  From  January  to  March  1,854  women  used  the 
swimming  bath,  compared  to  1,952  who  used  it  in  1894,  but  on  the 
twelve  evenings  when  it  was  open  to  them  there  was  a  total  attend- 
ance of  419,  or  an  average  of  thirty-five  per  evening. 

The  baths  are  open  at  6  a.  m.  from  April  to  September,  at  7  a.  m. 
during  March  and  October,  and  at  7.30  a.  m.  from  November  to 
February.  They  close  on  Saturdays  at  8  p.  m. ;  on  Sundays,  in  the 
summer,  at  noon,  in  the  winter  at  i  p.  m.,  and  on  other  days  at  8  p.  m. 

BERLIN    SWIMMING    LEAGUE. 

The  Moabit  Baths  were  built  with  a  view  to  both  suitableness 
and  durability.  Two-thirds  of  the  swimming  bath  is  set  apart  for 
swimmers,  and  there  are  two  spring  boards.  The  bath  can  be  en- 
tirely emptied  in  eight  hours  and  can  be  refilled  in  live  hours.  There 
are  two  cleansing  cells  for  adults  and  children.  Each  contains  two 
head  douches,  one  ray  douche,  one  washbasin  and  two  tubs  for  the 
feet  Tepid  water  can  be  used  before  entering  the  swimming  bath, 
but  only  cold  must  be  used  afterwards.  On  February  24,  1895,  ^'^e 
Berlin  Swimming  League  gave  a  grand  entertainment  in  the  bath, 


MUMCH'AL    SVSTIOM    OK    FoRBION    BaTHS.  135 

consisting  of  swimming'  and  diving.  The  hall  was  decorated  with 
flags  for  the  occasion,  and  there  was  a  very  large  attendance,  includ- 
ing many  of  the  city's  representatives.  Four  swimming  clul)s  use  the 
baths  one  evening  a  week  each.  The  first-class  douches  contain  an 
extra  ray  douche  of  cold  water,  besides  the  head  douche.  Each 
doucheroom  is  subdivided  into  dressing  and  bathrooms.  Originally 
the  water  used  was  limited  to  ten  and  one-half  gallons,  but  this  did 
not  work  well,  and  with  the  present  unlimited  use  no  more  water  is 
actually  used.  Douches  with  tepid  water  are  provided  in  the  slipper 
bath.  The  rooms  used  for  washing  and  drying  the  linen,  etc.,  have 
the  latest  improvements. 

SCHILLINGSBRliCKE    BATHS. 

The  Schillingsbriicke  Baths  were  only  opened  on  Saturday, 
June  24,  1893,  so  that  it  is  not  possible  to  properly  compare  the  at- 
tendance with  previous  years.  The  time  of  opening  and  the  situation 
of  the  establishment  were  very  favorable,  so  that  it  soon  outstripped 
all  similar  establishments.  The  greatest  attendance  was  on  the  Satur- 
day before  Whitsunday,  May  12,  1894,  when  4,502  baths  were  taken — 
1,599  slipper  baths,  1,238  douche  and  1,665  swimming  baths.  During 
the  previous  period  of  nine  months  the  largest  attendance  was  on 
Easter  Eve,  March  24,  1894,  when  there  were  3,278  bathers —  1,413 
slipper  baths,  826  douche  and  1,039  swimming  baths.  On  Christmas 
Eve  there  was  the  large  attendance  of  2,711;  of  whom  1,125  took 
slipper  baths,  987  douches  and  599  swimming  baths.  On  thirteen 
Saturdays  the  attendance  was  between  2,000  and  3,100,  and  the  at- 
tendance was  usually  over  1,000  on  Saturdays.  The  least  number  of 
bathers  in  1894-5  was  166  on  January  i,  1895,  as  compared  with  107 
on  January  i,  1894.  The  average  number  of  bathers  per  day  was  894 
in  1894-5,  and  only  738  in  the  nine  months  of  1893-4  during  which 
the  establishment  was  open. 

DEEP    -WELLS. 

Few  establishments  in  Germany  can  compare  with  these  baths. 
City  water  is  used  almost  exclusively,  as  it  was  found  impossible  to 
use  the  deep  wells,  on  account  of  the  quantity  of  iron  contained  in  the 
water.    It  is  particularly  remarkable  that  the  swimming  bath  was  so 


136  Mayou's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

well  attended,  as  the  winter  was  very  unfavorable  and  nine  river  baths 
are  situated  near  by.  Of  139,000  who  visited  the  swimming  bath. 
54,000  (39  per  cent,  or  an  average  of  300  per  day)  attended  during  the 
winter  months.  A  number  of  swimming  clubs  use  the  baths  twice  a 
week  regularly  tliroughout  the  winter.  Swimming  was  taught  to  260 
persons —  155  men  and  105  women  —  in  1894-5,  as  compared  with 
117  persons  —  90  men  and  27  women  —  who  learned  in  the  season 
of  1893-4.  'Flic  doucheroom  of  the  swimming  bath  is  divided  into 
two  parts,  one  for  adults  and  one  for  children.  The  use  of  the  hall  was 
given  free  to  a  swimming  club  for  entertainments  on  October  21, 
1894,  and  March  17,  1895. 

The  rise  in  prices  in  the  slipper  and  first-class  douche  baths  re- 
sulted in  a  decrease  in  both  men's  and  women's  first-class  slipper 
baths,  and,  compared  with  the  corresponding  period  of  the  previous 
year,  a  slight  decrease  in  women's  second-class  slipper  and  first-class 
douche  baths.  The  men's  douche  baths  liav  shown  an  increase  of 
50  per  cent,  and  the  women's  of  52  per  cent.  On  Saturday  there  are 
frequently  more  than  700  baths  given  in  the  men's  department.  The 
greatest  numbers  were  899  on  December  24,  1894,  and  1,040  on 
May  12,  1895.  There  are  only  forty-one  cells  for  men  and  the  pres- 
sure on  them  is  very  great.  On  Saturday  and  Sunday  three  of  the 
women's  cells  are  used  for  men.  The  extraordinary  success  of  the 
douche  baths,  built  after  a  plan  recommended  by  Prof.  Lassar,'  has 
proved  their  suitability  to  the  needs  of  a  working  class  population  of 
small  means. 

The  accommodations  for  washing  the  linen,  etc.,  used  are  the 
very  best,  being  an  improvement  on  the  Moabit  Baths. 


MrNU'ii'Ai.  SvsTioM   oi'   FoKicuJN   IJatiis. 


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138 


Mayor's  Committre  on  Public  Baths. 


Sea  salt  and  soap  baths  are  also  given.     For  one  pound  of  sea 
salt  4  cents,  and  for  one  pound  of  soap  7  cents  additional  are  charg-ed. 

?.  Baths  of  the  Berlin  Society  for  People's  Baths. 
When  these  two  baths  were  built  the  city  contributed  $26,000 
and  gave  the  site.  In  the  two  years  1893-4  and  1894-5  the  Society 
paid  into  the  city  treasury  each  year  $900,  amounting  to  3^  per  cent. 
on  this  outlay.  In  1894-5  the  income  was  $12,323.79,  the  previous 
year  it  was  $12,538.89,  showing  a  decrease  of  $215.10.  The  surplus 
at  the  two  establishments  was  as  follows: 


Oranienburg  baths. 

Alt  und  Neu  KiJlln  baths. 

1894-5 

$1,892  10 
1,489  87 

^617  18 
908  74 

1893-4 

Increase,     $402  23 

Decrease,      $291  5& 

The  Society  proposed  to  turn  the  baths  over  to  the  city,  but  it 
was  thought  that  too  much  alteration  would  be  required  to  fit  them  to 
the  needs  of  municipal  public  baths. 

ORANIENBURG. 

The  opening  of  the  Schillingsbriicke  City  Baths,  combined  with 
the  unfavorable  season,  caused  a  considerable  decrease  in  tlie  attend- 
ance at  the  Alt  and  Neu  Kolln  Baths,  especially  in  the  slipper  bath 
establishment,  while  the  Oranienburg  Baths  showed  a  fair  increase. 
The  attendance  at  the  baths  for  the  years  1893-4  and  1894-5,  was  as 
follows : 


Oranienburg  Baths. 

Alt  und  Neu  Kolln  Baths. 

1894-5. 

1893-4. 

Increase  or 
decrease. 

1894-5. 

IBM  A        Increase  or 
i«-«-4.         decrease. 

Slipper  l)iitlis: 
Mcu  

61,146 
25,692 

33,059 
989 
258 

58,500 
24,463 

28,895 

1,122 

234 

+2,646 
+  1,229 

+4,164 
—133 

+24 

54,718 
23,726 

29,798 
616 
161 

59,665         —4,947 
27,033          —3.307 

Douclie  baths : 
Men   

30,701 
841 
440 

— '.t03 

—225 

S(;h<>l;irs 

-27^ 

Total  

121,144 

113,214 

+7,930 

109,019 

118,680 

—9,661 

MuNiciTAL  System  of  Foreign  liAiiis.  \:VJ 

IIAMIIVKO,    UL:KM AW— <;itASllUUOK.    VEDUIOl.,    DIL.I.I<:. 

As  in  all  cities  the  earliest  hatlis  in  Hamburg  were  river  baths. 
The  first  building  erected  in  connection  with  these  baths  was  put  up 
in  1847  iri  the  Grasbrook,  and  since  then  has  been  greatly  enlarged 
and  removed  to  the  Veddel,  costing  altogether  $32,249.  There  is 
dressing  accommodation  for  405  men,  including  twenty-five  private 
cells,  and  for  486  women,  including  156  private  cells.  In  1889  there 
were  160,000  men  and  111,000  women  bathers.  In  1864  another 
bath  was  opened  on  the  Alster,  for  men  and  boys.  The  swimming 
pool  is  347  feet  9  inches  long  by  91  feet  10  inches  wide  and  varies  in 
depth  up  to  10  feet  6  inches.  With  the  extensions  in  1890  this  bath 
cost  $33,087.  There  is  accommodation  for  100  in  private  dressing- 
rooms  and  264  in  the  common  dressing-room.  A  charge  of  5  pfen- 
nigs (just  over  one  cent)  is  made  for  a  steamboat  journey  to  and  from 
this  bath,  but  the  bath  itself  is  free.  A  third  river  bath  was  erected 
in  1869  on  an  artificial  island  in  the  x'Mster  at  a  cost,  with  improve- 
ments in  1883,  of  $9,996.  The  water  here  varies  from  6  feet  6  inches 
to  8  feet  6  inches.  The  bathing  place  is  especially  frequented  by  boys. 
Dressing  accommodation  for  555  bathers  is  provided,  including 
twenty-eight  private  rooms.  In  1876  a  fourth  bathing  establishment 
was  erected  in  the  Bille.  This  bath  has  a  superficies  of  44,132  square 
feet  and  contains  105  private  dressing-rooms  and  other  accommoda- 
tions for  sixty-six  bathers.  The  cost  was  $1 1,900.  A  swimming  bath 
for  women  and  girls  was  erected  in  the  Bille  in  1885,  and  since  it  was 
very  much  more  frecjuented  than  had  been  expected,  was  enlarged  in 
1888.  The  total  cost  was  $9,758.  The  water  varies  from  3  feet 
3  inches  to  5  feet  3  inches.  There  arc  sixty-four  private  rooms  and 
accommodation  for  136  additional  bathers.  In  the  summer  of  1886 
this  bath  was  used  by  116,063  women  and  girls. 

PATRIOTIC    SOCIETY. 

In  1855  an  establishment  was  opened  on  the  Schweinemarkt  by 
the  Patriotic  Society.  The  site  for  this  building  was  given  by  the 
city,  and  the  water  supplied  by  the  city  free,  being  afterwards,  on 
account  of  the  high  situation  of  the  establishment,  used  for  flushing 
the  city  sewers.  This  building  was  the  first  in  Germany  erected  after 
the  English  model.     The  cost  was  $49,028.     Tnere  arc  twenty-four 


140 


Mayor's  Committke  ox  Pt'rlic  Baths. 


tirst-class  and  twenty-five  second-class  women's  slipper  baths. 
These  are  6  feet  6  inches  by  5  feet  9  inches  in  size,  and  the  partitions 
are  6  feet  6  inciies  hig'li.  The  first-class  baths  are  fitted  with  douches. 
There  are  also  two  rain  baths.  Stalls  are  provided  for  thirty-three 
washers.  According-  to  statute  only  4  per  cent,  interest  was  allowed 
and  the  surplus  went  toward  the  extinction  of  the  share  capital.  In 
1880  the  entire  capital  was  paid  back,  but  the  city  allowed  the  Society 
to  continue  working  the  establishment,  on  condition  that  it  built  a 
second,  and  still  later  a  third,  the  same  conditions  applying  as  to  the 
first.  A  building  was  erected  on  the  Schaarmarkt  in  1881  at  a  cost  of 
$74,970.  It  contained  a  swimming  bath,  67  feet  3  inches  by  27  feet 
1 1  inches,  the  water  varying  in  depth  from  3  feet  7  inches  to  7  feet 
3  inches.  The  tcm])erature  is  maintained  at  72.5  degrees  Fahrenheit 
by  steam  pipes.  There  are  besides  seven  first-class  and  thirteen 
second-class  men's  slipper  baths,  and  the  same  number  of  slipper 
l)aths  for  women.  The  use  made  of  these  two  establishments  in  1891 
to  1894  was  as  follows: 


Schweinemarkt. 

Schaarmarkt. 

Number  of 
bathers. 

Hours  of 
washir  g. 

Number  of 
bathers. 

Number  of 
swimmers. 

lagi 

132,198 

89,. 570 

107,105 

112,218 

24,284 
15,987* 
17,. 51:4 
17,550i 

8.-.,. 572 
57,773 
62,214 
65,185 

69 j 655 

1892. 

45,659 

1893 

1894 

63,113 
103,944 

CHOIiKRA. 

The  great  decrease  in  the  use  of  the  baths  in  1892  was  caused  by 
the  outbreak  of  cholera.  The  city  paid  the  company  for  the  use  of 
coal  to  sterilize  the  water  used,  by  boiling  and  afterward  cooling  to 
recjuired  temperature.  The  large  number  using  the  swimming  baths 
in  1894  was  consccjucnt  on  a  50  per  cent,  retluction  of  prices  in  this 
department. 

The  following  is  a  statement  of  the  working  ex])enses  for  1893 
and  1894: 


.MrMcirAL  Systicm  of  Fokeign  Baths. 


141 


INCOME  FOR  1893  AM)  1894. 
Sohnmnenarkl  and  Schaarmarkt  Baths. 


1893. 


Schweine- 
markt. 


By  batlurs $9,569  78 

Bv  swiiuiiier.s 


By   \v  anliers ! 

By  i>rolit  on  soap i 

By  profit   on  .sea  s.ilt , 

By  interest 

By  e.xtra  towels,  swimming 

girdles,   etc- 

By  swiiiimiug  instnution... 

Total   


833  64 

31fi  77 

27  fjfi 

18  02 

91  57 


Scha&rmarkt. 


$5,248  14 
3,767  87 

""i48"36 
10  28 


37  54 
101  15 


Schweine- 
markt. 


Schaarmarkt. 


$10,031  96 

835  50  ! 

316  47  ; 

24  54 

183  41 


$10,857  34 


$5,477  97 
3,652  09 

"'i6G'26 
15  14 

463  84 


97  58 


$9,313  28  $11,391  88  !   $9,872  88 


EXPENDITURE  FOR  1893  AND  1894. 


Interest  on  loans 

Salaries 

Fuel 

Soap,  soda,  etc. . 

Gas 

Printing 

Artisans'  work. . 
Divers  repairs... 
Divers  payments . 
Small  expenses. . 
Gronnd  rent  and  i 


nsnranee 


1893. 


Schweine- 
niarkt. 


$3,792  53 

1,410  29 

97  07 

345  84 

79  32 

608  5t) 


174  50 
28  46 
65  14 


Schaar- 
markt. 


1894. 


Schweine- 
markt. 


$586 

3,618 

1,277 

73 

358 

102 

445 


215 

18 

124 


,822  12 
,322  50 

98  07 
342  55 

69  72 
404  49 
248  04 
222  65 

24  57 

65  14 


Totals $6,60171    $6,819  23   $(5,619  85 


Schaar- 
markt. 


$714  00 

3,606  10 

1,449  90 

107  12 

418  20 

119  43 

310  84 

72  35 

277  01 

12  94 

124  34 


$7,212  23 


AXOIU    DIRT. 

Ill  1893  a  third  bath  was  erected  in  the  suburb  of  Eimsbiittel,  on 
tlie  Schiiferkampf.  This  contains  sixty  slipper  baths  —  twelve  first- 
class  and  twenty-eight  second-class  for  men,  and  seven  first-class  and 
thirteen  second-class  for  women.  Each  bathroom  is  6  feet  11  inches 
long  by  6  feet  8  inches  wide  and  the  height  is  9  feet  10  inches  second 
class  and  1 1  feet  6  inches  first  class.  The  swimming'  pool  is  39  feet 
4  inches  wide,  63  feet  4  inches  long,  with  a  capacity  of  105,668  gallons. 


142  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

There  are  fifty-three  wooden  dressing-rooms,  each  4  feet  7  inches  by 
4  feet  I  inch,  and  fourteen  lockers.  The  dressing-rooms  are  entered 
from  the  corridor  so  as  to  avoid  dirt.  Every  bather  has  to  use  the 
douche  bath  before  entering  the  swimming  pool,  and  a  shallow  tub 
is  provided  for  the  feet.  The  temperature  of  the  hall  in  the  slipper 
baths  is  maintained  at  79  degrees  Fahrenlieit,  the  other  rooms  at  'J2 
degrees  Fahrenheit.  This  bath  is  managed  by  the  Society  which 
manages  the  other  two  baths,  the  Society  receiving  city  water  free 
and  paying  interest  on  the  $90,440,  cost  of  erection. 

Both  slipper  and  swimming  baths  are  opened  from  6  a.  m.  to 
9  p.  m.  from  April  to  September,  7  a.  m.  to  9  p.  m.  during  March 
and  October,  and  from  8  a.  m.  to  9  p.  m.  from  November  to  February. 
Sundays  and  holidays  they  are  opened  at  the  usual  time,  but  close 
at  noon.  Half  an  hour  is  allowed  to  each  bather,  and  towels  and 
bathing  dresses  are  provided.  In  the  slipper  baths  mothers  may  take 
a  child  under  eight  years  of  age  in  with  them.  The  prices  for  baths 
at  either  of  these  three  places  are  as  follow: 

SLIPPER  BATHS  (MEN  AND  WOMEN). 

First-class  (two  towels) $  0  12 

First-class  (sixteen  tickets,  not  good  on  Saturdays  after  5  p.  m.) .  .  1  G7 

Second-class  (one  towel) 07 

Second-class  (sixteen  tickets,  not  good  on  Saturdays  after  5  p.  m.) .  .  95 

Sea  salt  baths,  first-class .•!(! 

Sea  salt  baths,  second-class 31 

SWIMMING  BATHS. 

Without  towel,  but  including  bathing  drawers ^^  04 

One  year,  not  iuclud'ing  washing  of  bathing  apparel 5  95 

Half  year,  not  including  washing  of  bathing  apparel 3  09 

Boj's  under  14,  without  towel,  but  including  bathing  drawers.  ..  .  02^ 
Boys  under  14,  one  year,  not  including  washing  of  bathing  ap- 
parel    2  86 

Boys  under  14,  half  year,  not  including  washing  of  bathing  ap- 
parel      1  tiT 

Use  of  towel 01 

Keeping  and  clc-anslng  of  bathing  ;i]>iiarcl.  jn-r  inonrli 07 

Swimming  instruction,  quarter  year 1  19 

RX^GVLATBD    TK.MI'ERATl  RE. 

In  1893  the  municipality  erected  a  public  douche  in  St.  Pauli, 
which  was  leased  to  the  same  society  which  operates  the  baths  pre- 


Municipal  Systkm  of  J-^iukicn  liATiis.  14o 

viously  nientioncd.  This  bath  is  open  all  the  year  round,  from  6  a.  in. 
to  lo  p.  ni.  in  the  summer  and  from  8  a.  m.  to  lo  p.  m.  in  the  winter, 
closing  on  Saturdays  at  12  noon.  A  charge  of  10  pfennigs  (2i  cents) 
includes  the  use  of  towel  and  soap.  The  bath  is  built  after  the  pattern 
of  the  I'rankfort-on-.Main  Baths,  and  contains  accommodations  for 
ten  men  and  four  woiucn.  The  douche  apparatus  is  separated  from 
the  dressing-room  by  a  rubber  curtain,  but  this,  not  proving  satisfac- 
tory, is  to  be  replaced  by  an  iron  door.  In  the  douche  cell  there  is  a 
deepening  in  the  center,  a  seat  which  lifts  up  and  is  fitted  with  a  hard 
rubl)er  cushion  and  a  soap  dish.  The  water  strikes  the  bather  at  an 
angle  of  45  degrees,  and  the  temperature  can  be  regulated  at  pleasure. 
At  first  the  water  allowed  was  limited  to  thirteen  gallons,  but  this  was 
not  a  success,  as  the  apparatus  frequently  went  wrong.  Under  the 
present  system  only  the  same  quantity  is  averaged,  though  no  limit  is 
made.  Twenty  minutes  is  allowed  to  each  bather,  and  5  pfennigs, 
just  over  one  cent,  charged  for  any  excess  of  that  time.  The  towels 
used  are  washed  in  the  basement,  where  the  heating  apparatus  is. 
On  account  of  the  cholera  epidemic  just  before  the  opening  of  the 
baths,  it  is  arranged  to  heat  the  water  of  the  Elbe  to  boiling  point, 
and  then  by  mixing  with  city  water  and  cooling,  reduce  the  tempera- 
ture to  112  degrees  Fahrenheit,  and  yj  degrees  Fahrenheit.  The 
average  attendance  at  St.  Pauli  during  1893,  the  opening  year,  was 
147  per  day;  in  1894  there  were  48,138  bathers,  or  an  average  of  132 
per  day.  Provision  is  made  for  450  bathers.  The  greatest  attendance 
was  on  July  7,  1894,  when  597  people  bathed.  Among  the  bathers 
there  are  few^  workers,  the  attendance  coming  largely  from  the  small 
tradesmen  class. 

GOTHENBURG,    SAVEDEN, 

The  first  public  bath  in  Gothenburg  dates  from  1802.  At  present 
there  are  two  public  baths,  the  "  Renstromska  Badanstalten,"  opened 
in  1876,  and  the  "  Renstromska  Badanstalten  i  Majorna  "  (Majorna 
is  a  suburb  of  Gothenburg),  opened  in  1892.  Besides  these,  there 
are  three  river  baths  in  the  Gota  Elf,  open  to  the  public  from  I\Iay  to 
September.  All  these  establishments  are  maintained  partly  from 
city  appropriations  and  partly  from  the  funds  belonging  to  the  city, 
named  "  Renstromska  fonden  "  after  their  founder,  Sven  Renstrom, 
a  merchant. 


144  Mayor's  Committee  on  Purlic  Baths. 

The  cost  of  the  establishments  was:  For  the  Renstromska, 
Badanstahen,  $93,808.33 ;  for  the  open-air  baths,  about  $800  eacli ;  for 
the  baths  at  Majorna,  $27,033.13,  divided  as  follows: 

Building $15, 716  37 

Boilers,  heating  and  ventilating  apparatus 4, 589  92 

Batliing  fixtures 4,013  51 

Furniture    1,288  37 

Plans  and  drawings 4(14  44 

Insurance    68  68 

Superintendence   482  40 

Judicial  siu'Vcy   81  74 

Gas  and  colce 139  16 

Water 88  71 

Sundries    97  S3 

Tdtal $27,033  13 


The  open-air  baths  are  free.    The  receipts  at  the  other  baths  for 
the  last  few  years  were  as  follows: 


RENSTKOMSKA  BADANSTALTEN. 


CLASS  OF  BATHS. 

1895. 

1894. 

1893. 

1892. 

First  class 

Second  class 

$7,382  19 
4,483  49 
3,029  41 

$7,382  03 
4,285  10 
3,045  69 

$7,524  61 
4,471  02 
2,885  15 

$7,562  75 
4,511  06 
3,083  08 

Total 

$14,895  09 

$14,712  82 

$14,880  78 

$15,156  89 

RENSTROMSKA  BADANSTALTEN  I 


Class  of  baths. 

Slipper  Baths: 

First-class 

Second-class   

Third-class    


Russian  baths: 

Second-class   

Third-class    

Shower  baths 

Baths  for  school  children: 

At  10  ore  (2'A  cents) 

At  5  OH' 

Other  baths 


MAJORNA. 

1894. 

1893. 

?194  37 

!fl7G  68 

418  08 

355  64 

437  71 

466  18 

198  10 

14S  20 

199  73 

104  .S2 

38  40 

9  41 

17  04 

21  79 

GS  85 

67  90 

172  89 

192  61 

'i'otal  receipts ?1 ,  745  23 


$1,603  23 


Cottage  Baths,  Brighton  (England).  It  is  the  plan  that  a  large  number 
of  small  baths  shall  be  located  in  the  industrial  quarters,  instead  of  the 
erection  of  one  large  bathing  estaolishment 


Copyright,  1S97,  by  the  Mayor's  Committee . 

Among  the  recommendations  of  the  Committee  is  the  duplication  or 
extension  of  the  Public  Comfort  Stations  in  the  Parks  The  extensions 
should  be  in  the  shape  of  chalets  or  other  ornamental  buildings. 


O     THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


Municipal  System  of  Foreign  Baths. 


145 


The  following  arc  the  operating  expenses  for  1894  at  tlie  Rcn- 
stromska  Badanstalten : 

Siil.'irirs    ?4,451  08 

Furl    2. 302  ]  1 

Water 2. 220  79 

Light inir ' 81S  H4 

Washin;:  of  towels,  etc 1, 109  S2 

ReiKiiirs  ami  maintenance 2, 339  88 

Printing  and  stationery 52  94 

Soap   47  46 

'IVlephoue   4G  01 

Cleaning  and  sweeping 98  99 

Medical  attendance  and  medicine 86  59 

lusm'ance  and  taxes 121  52 

"Written  off  for  depreciation  of  furnitui'e  and  linen 295  00 

Sundries    69  95 

Total ?14, 120  98 


At  Majorna  for  1894  the  operating  expenses  were  $1,926.51, 
while  the  cost  of  operating  the  river  baths  for  the  same  period  was 
$411.82. 

Following  is  a  table  showing  the  average  income  and  average 
operating  expenses  per  bath  in  cents: 


YEAR. 


1894. 
1893. 
1892. 
1891. 


c5 


< 


Average  Operating  Expenses. per  Bath  Given. 


r^nts. 
13.23 
13.41 
13.23 
13.36 


Cents. 
4.01 
3.89 
3.78 
3.61 


■s 

"a 

3 

611 

3 

0  i, 

Cents. 
2.07 

Cents. 
2.00 

Cents. 
.74 

Cents. 
1.05 

1.96 

1.81 

1.01 

1.08 

1.98 

1.76 

.65 

1.07 

2.06 

1.76 

.53 

1.12 

m  a 
d  c 


Cents. 
2.84 
3.29 
3.22 

'2.57 


Cents. 
12.71 
13.04 
12.46 
11.65 


No  account  is  kept  of  the  number  visiting  the  open-air  baths, 
but  it  is  estimated  that  they  are  used  by  at  least  80,000  people  in  the 
course  of  the  season.  Every  person  taking  an  ordinary  warm  bath 
is  permitted  to  take  with  him  a  child  under  eight  years  of  age,  without 
extra  admission,  and  two  children  under  the  age  of  twelve  may  use 
the  same  bath  upon  paying  the  usual  fee.  The  baths  taken  at  the 
two  bathing  establishments  were  as  follows: 
10 


146 


Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 


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MuMt'irAL  System  of  Foreign  Baths.  147 

liK.NSTItO.MSKA  BADANSTALTEN  I  MAJORNA. 

1RB4.  1893. 

Slijiiu'i'   Imllis,   liisl -class <j(J7  879 

Slipper  baths,  socoiul-dass 3, 120  2,  G54 

Sli]»per  baths,  Ihird-class G,  533  G,9j8 

Kussian  baths,  secoiul-dass   2,112  1,580 

llussiaii  baths,  third-dass  2, 981  2,4G0 

ShowiT  baths 074  234 

Baths  for  school  ehildrou: 

At  10  ore G3G  813 

At  5  ore 5, 138  5, 067 

Various  baths 1,G48  1,844 


Total 23,709        22,489 


The  open-air  baths  are  managed  by  the  city  financial  board,  while 
•each  of  the  other  public  baths  is  managed  by  a  special  committee. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

The  Administration  of  European  Baths. 

PROMOTION    OF    CLEAXLINESS. 

The  first  public  baths  in  England  were  the  St.  George's  Pierhead 
Baths,  Liverpool,  opened  in  1828.  In  1849  the  City  of  Liverpool 
erected  two  new  establishments.  In  September,  1844,  the  Lord 
Mayor  of  London  convened  a  meeting  for  the  formation  of  an  "Asso- 
ciation for  Promoting  Cleanliness  Among  the  People,"  which  re- 
sulted in  the  establishment  of  one  of  the  first  baths  and  washhouses  in 
London.  The  success  of  these  baths  was  so  great  that  a  larger  set 
was  opened  in  Whitechapel,  but  the  hopes  raised  by  the  first  success 
were  not  sustained,  and  the  second  establishment  fell  into  decay  until 
taken  over  by  the  Vestry  of  Whitechapel.  In  1846  a  private  associa- 
tion opened  baths  in  George  street,  Euston  Square,  the  water  being 
supplied  gratuitously  by  the  New  River  Company.  In  addition  to 
its  bathing  and  washing  conveniences,  there  was  a  department  "  for 
cleansing,  purifying  and  disinfecting  the  dwellings  of  the  poor,"' 
which  effected  much  good;  but  the  New  River  Company  abolishing 
their  reservoir,  the  establishment  had  to  be  closed.  It  had  become 
evident  that  public  baths  and  washhouses  would  not  flourish  under 
semi-philanthropic  or  private  enterprise.  In  1835  a  bill  to  promote 
public  baths  was  introduced  into  the  House  of  Commons,  but  failed, 
owing  to  the  opposition  to  it.  In  1846,  on  June  8,  the  Bishop  of 
London  presented  five  petitions  on  the  subject  to  the  House  of 
Lords,  praying  for  increased  facilities  for  cleanliness  available  for 
the  masses,  and  a  bill  was  introduced  on  June  19,  which  received  the 
Royal  assent  on  August  26,  1 846. 

VAPOR    BATHS. 

The  act  provided  for  the  erection  and  maintenance  by  cities  and 
boroughs  of  bathing  estaljlishmcnts,  containing  hot  and  cold  slipper 
baths,  with  the  necessary  arrangements  for  heating,  lighting,  etc. 
Less  than  a  year  afterwards  an  amendment  was  passed  authorizing 


Tiii:  Admimsiuation  oi-'  European  Baths.  149 

the  jjrovision  of  warm  and  cold  sliower  baths  and  vapor  baths,  and 
also  of  public  washhouses.  In  1878  the  act  was  further  amended  to 
make  room  for  swimming  baths,  now  the  most  popular  feature  of 
many  establishments.  The  Turkish  bath  was  not  well  known  at  the 
time  of  the  passing  of  the  original  act,  or  it  is  possible  it  would  have 
been  substituted  for  the  vapor  bath,  as  affording  the  most  thoroughly 
cleansing  bath  possible.  When  the  Paddington  public  baths  and 
washhouses  were  about  to  be  erected  in  1874,  application  was  made 
to  the  Local  Government  Board  to  ascertain  the  legality  or  otherwise 
of  including  the  Turkish  bath  in  the  proposed  establishment,  and  the 
reply  of  the  Board  was  to  the  effect  that,  although  tlie  statutes  con- 
tained no  definition  of  baths,  "  the  schedule  to  the  statutes  10  and  11 
Vict.  cap.  61,  recognizes  a  vapor  bath,  and  the  Board,  therefore,  ap- 
prehends that  there  would  be  no  legal  objection  to  the  establishment 
of  a  Turkish  bath."  Turkish  baths  are  part  of  the  establishments  at 
Birmingham,  Bradford  and  Worthing. 

BORROW    MONEY. 

When  a  city  or  town  wishes  to  establish  public  baths,  a  com- 
mittee of  the  Town  Council  is  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  matter. 
In  Bootle  this  committee  is  the  Parks  and  Baths  Committee,  in 
Bradford  the  Tramway,  Baths  and  Team  Labor  Committee,  in  Burn- 
ley it  was  formerly  the  Baths,  Cemetery  and  Recreation  Grounds 
Committee,  and  is  now  the  Town  Hall,  Baths  and  Cemetery  Com- 
mittee. The  Committee  is,  of  course,  responsible  to  the  Council  and 
refers  to  the  Council  on  all  matters  of  importance.  In  London,  the 
government  of  which  is  different  to  that  of  other  cities,  there  is 
another  method.  The  \'estries,  a  kind  of  district  municipal  council, 
appointed  a  small  commission,  usually  consisting  of  seven,  but  some- 
times of  five  or  six  commissioners,  who  had  more  power  than  a  com- 
mittee, and  were  o'nly  obliged  to  refer  to  the  Vestry  when  they  wanted 
to  borrow  money.  Since  1894  this  system  has  been  abolished,  and 
the  London  \'estries,  like  the  provincial  Town  Councils,  manage  their 
baths  through  a  committee. 

Before  proceeding  to  erect  baths,  the  consent  of  the  Local  Gov- 
ernment Board  to  the  expenditure  must  first  be  obtained.  The  initial 
expenses  are  met  by  a  loan  payable  in  a  period  of  from  ten  to  fifty 


150 


M.wor's  Committee  o\  "Pi-hlic  B.vths. 


years,  according  to  the  size  of  the  loan,  the  purpose  for  which  the- 
expenditure  is  to  be  made  and  the  rataljle  vahie  of  the  parish.  Thus 
the  IsHngton  Commissioners  procured  the  following  loans  for  tlieir 
baths,  all  at  3^  per  cent.,  up  to  March  31,  1895: 


Date  of 
mortgage 

Period 

of 
loan. 

Original 
amoiirit 
of  loan. 

1891. 
Jan.  16... 

Years. 
50 

£8,000 

May  12... 

30 

5,000 

June  19  •. . 

50 

6,000 

Nov.  6.... 

30 

5,000 

Dec.  7.-.. 

30 

5,000 

1892. 
March  18.. 

30 

3,000 

March  30.. 

30 

5,000 

May  20... 

30 

5,000 

June  3... 

10 

4,000 

June   16.- 

30 

3,500 

Nov.  23.. 

15 

5,500 

1893. 
April  1. .. 

30 

9,600 

April  1... 

10 

1,800 

Dec.  8.... 

25 

11,250 

1894. 
May  11... 

25 

10,000 

Oct.  18... 

25 

10,000 

Total. 

..97,650 

Of  whom  borrowed. 


For  »  hat  purpose. 


Prudential  Assurance  Co. 
Prudential  Assurance  Co. 
London  County  Council. 
Prudential  Assurance  Co. 
London  Count}'  Council. 

Prndeutial  Assurance  Co. 
London  County  Council. 
Loudon  County  Council. 
Prudential  Assurance  Co. 
London  County  Council. 
London  County  Council. 

London  County  Council. 

London  County  Council. 
London  County  Council. 

London  County  Council. 
London  County  Council. 


Purchase  of  site,  Caledonian 
road. 

Erection  of  batbs  and  wash- 
houses,  Caledonian  road. 

Purchase  of  site,  Hornsey 
road. 

Erection  of  baths  and  wash- 
houses,  Hornsey  road. 

Election  of  bal lis  and  wash- 
houses,  Horii.sey  road. 

Erection  of  Imths  and  wash- 
houses,  Caledonian  road. 

Erection  of  baths  and  wash- 
houses,  Hornsey  road. 

Erection  ol  baths  and  wash- 
hous«'s,  Hornsey  road. 

Erection  of  baths  and  wash- 
housis,  CaletUuiian  road. 

Erecti(ui  of  baths  niid  wash- 
honse.s,  Hornsey  road. 

Erec'ion  of  baths  and  wash- 
h(uises,  Hornsey  road. 


Erection  of  baths  and  wash- 
houses,  Hornsey  road  and 
Caledonian  loail. 

Election  of  Baths  and  wa>h- 
houses,  Horiisey  road. 

PurcLase  of  site  and  erection 
of  baths,  etc.,  Tibberton 
square. 

Purchase  of  site  and  erection 

of   baths,   etc,    Tibberton 

sqnaie. 
Purchase  of  site  and  erection 

of  baths,   etc.,   Tibberton 

s(iuar«. 


Of  this  sum  £5,467  los.  id.  of  the  principal  had  been  repaid  up  to 
March  31,  1895,  and  also  interest  to  the  amount  of  £6,876  19s.  id.  (less 
income  tax).  This  leaves  a  capital  sum  outstanding  of  £92,182  9s. 
lid. 


The  Administration  of  European  Baths.  151 

For  tlie  year  cndinij;-  March  31,  1895,  the  payments  of  principal 
and  interest  were  as  follows: 

Repayment  of  loan.       Interest. 

£        S.    (1.  £       .?.    d. 

CaliHlonian  road 747    0     t>  869     5     4 

Hornsoy  nvad 1 ,  HJS    0     8       1 ,  .300  19     5 

TibluM-tou  s.|uan-    4.".0     0     0  711   10     (> 

Total 2,74.j     7     5       2,887  15     3 


SLIGHT    SUHPLtS. 

The  income  from  the  baths  usually  hardly  meets  working  ex- 
penses, although  occasionally  there  is  a  slight  surplus.  Any  deficit, 
and  the  amount  required  to  meet  payments  of  principal  and  interest, 
comes  out  of  the  rates.  As  the  loans  are  paid  ofi  the  tax  becomes  less 
until,  when  all  the  loans  are  paid  off,  a  very  small  annual  payment  is 
necessary  to  cover  the  working  expenses.  In  the  Parish  of  St.  James, 
Westminster,  which  erected  baths  in  1851,  the  total  charge  on  the 
rates,  for  site,  erection  of  buildings  and  maintenance  since  erection, 
has  only  been  £26,621.  This,  spread  over  a  period  of  forty-five  years, 
amounts  to  £592  or  $2,890  per  annum;  and  for  this  well-appointed 
cleansing  baths  and  washhouses  have  been  maintained,  and  a  swim- 
ming bath  has  lately  been  opened. 

The  rules  and  regulations  at  the  baths  differ  very  little,  and 
those  of  the  St.  Margaret  and  St.  John,  Westminster,  baths  may  be 
taken  as  an  example  of  many  others: 

FIRST-CLASS  PRIVATE  BATHS. 
^^'arm  or  cold  baths 6d. 


RULES  AND  REGULATIONS. 

Attention  is  directed  to  the  printed  by-laws. 

Each  bather  is  provided  with  a  bath  of  the  desired  temperature, 
with  the  use  of  two  clean  towels. 

Half  an  hour  is  allowed  to  each  bather  from  the  time  of  entering 
and  leaving  the  bathroom.  Bathers  will  please  ring  the  bell  should 
they  require  the  attendant. 

The  admixture  of  any  chemical  except  soap  with  the  water  in 
the  bath  is  strictly  prohibited. 


l.~)2  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

If  soap  and  extra  towels  are  required  they  can  be  obtained  at  the 
pa\-  office  at  a  cliarge  of  id.  each  article.  (Please  see  that  you  get  a 
ticket  for  same.)  The  attendants  are  not  allowed  to  supply  soap  or 
extra  towels. 

Please  avoid  talking  in  the  bathroom,  as  it  distracts  the  attention 
of  the  attendant,  and  when  quitting  the  bathroom,  leave  the  door 
open,  the  water  in  the  bath,  and  the  towels  on  the  seat. 

Bathers  unable  to  wait  their  turn  may  have  their  tickets  endorsed 
by  the  money-taker  for  use  another  day,  but  no  money  can  be 
returned,  nor  will  the  ticket  be  available  for  another  day  except  so 
endorsed. 

Water-closets  are  provided. 

No  smoking  or  drinking  spirituous  or  malt  liquors  allowed  in 
the  building. 

Dogs  are  not  allowed  within  the  building. 

No  employe  is  allowed  to  take  any  gratuity  whatever,  on  pain  of 
dismissal. 

No  disorderly  conduct,  indecent  or  offensive  language  allowed 
in  the  building. 

Do  not  remain  in  the  bath  whilst  hot  water  is  being  supplied. 

Bathers  committing  willful  damage,  interfering  with  the  comfort 
of  another  or  interrupting  any  of  the  servants  in  their  duty,  will  be 
proceeded  against  under  the  by-laws  for  the  full  penalty  of  40s. 
By  Order  of  the  Commissioners, 

(Signed.)     CHARLES  NEWMAN, 

Superintendent. 

SECOND-CLASS  PRIVATE  BATHS. 

Warm  bath 2d. 

Cold Id. 


RULES  AND  REGULATIONS. 

Attention  is  directed  to  the  printed  by-laws. 

Each  bather  is  provided  with  a  bath  of  the  desired  temperature, 
with  use  of  one  clean  towel.  (Extra  towels  can  be  had  if  desired  by 
purchasing  an  extra  towel  ticket  at  the  pay  office.) 


TiiK  ADMiMsriiAiioN  OF  Elroi'BAN  Baths.  153 

Half  an  hour  is  allowed  lo  each  bather  from  the  time  of  entering 
and  leaving  the  bathroom. 

No  smoking'  or  drinking  spirituous  or  malt  liquors  allowed  in 
the  building. 

The  admixture  of  any  chemical  or  other  preparation  except  soap 
with  the  water  in  the  bath  is  strictly  prohibited.  Soap  and  extra 
towels  can  only  be  obtained  at  the  pay  ofifice,  at  a  charge  of  id.  each 
article.  (Please  sec  that  you  get  a  ticket  for  the  same.)  The  attend- 
ants are  not  allowed  to  supply  soap  or  extra  towels. 

Bathers  are  requested  to  decide  as  to  the  temperature  of  water 
they  require  before  the  attendant  leaves  the  bath,  as  the  calling  out  of 
numbers  is  likely  to  cause  confusion.  To  avoid  talking  in  the  bath- 
room, as  it  distracts  the  attention  of  the  attendant,  and  when  quitting 
the  bathroom  to  leave  the  door  open,  the  water  in  the  bath  and  the 
towels  on  the  seat. 

Bathers  unable  to  wait  their  turn  may  have  their  tickets  endorsed 
by  the  money-taker  for  use  another  day,  but  no  money  can  be 
returned,  nor  will  the  ticket  be  available  for  another  day  except  so 
endorsed. 

Water-closets  are  provided. 

Dogs  are  not  admitted  within  the  building. 

No  person  employed  in  the  establishment  is  allow^ed  to  take  any 
gratuity  whatever,  on  pain  of  dismissal. 

Bathers  are  particularly  asked  not  to  stand  on  the  towels. 

Bathers  committing  willful  damage,  or  interfering  with  the  com- 
fort of  another,  or  interrupting  any  of  the  servants  in  their  duty,  will 
be  proceeded  against  under  the  by-laws  for  the  full  penalty  of  40s. 

No  disorderly  conduct,  indecent  or  offensive  language  allow^ed 
in  the  building. 

By  Order  of  the  Commissioners, 

(Signed.)     CHARLES  NEWMAN, 

Supcrintoidcnf. 


154  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

RULES  AND  REGULATIONS  FOR  BATHERS  — SWIM- 
MING BATHS. 

Half  an  hour  only  is  allowed  to  each  bather. 

No  bad  language  or  whistling  allowed. 

Do  not  spit  in  the  water. 

No  smoking  or  drinking  intoxicating  liquors  allowed. 

Leave  the  building  directly  you  are  dressed. 

Return  your  towels  and  hired  drawers  to  the  bath  attendant  on 
leaving.  i 

Diving  from  the  boxes  is  strictly  forbidden. 

Soap  must  not  be  used  in  the  swimming  bath. 

Any  person  who  shall  wilfully  offend  against  the  foregoing  rules 
and  regulations  will  be  immediately  expelled,  refused  admittance  on 
a  future  occasion,  and  proceeded  against  for  the  full  penalty  of  40s. 

The   Commissioners   are   not   responsible   for  articles   lost   by 

bathers  in  the  establishment. 

By  Order  of  the  Commissioners. 

NOTICE  TO  COMPETITORS  — SWIMMING  BATHS. 

1.  Do  not  fail  to  wear  bathing  drawers  under  your  costumes. 

2.  Do  not  enter  the  water  between  the  different  heats  or  events. 

3.  Do  not  interfere  with  the  valves,  bath  fittings  or  furniture. 

4.  Do  not  shout  or  make  unnecessary  noises,  as  it  distracts  the 
attention  of  the  bath  attendant. 

5.  Do  not  stand  or  loiter  round  the  sides  of  the  bath  before  the 
heat  or  event  you  are  to  compete,  but  walk  in  the  dressing-room 
until  notified. 

6.  Do  not  stand  or  loiter  round  the  sides  of  the  bath  after  you 

have  competed,  but  proceed  to  your  dressing-room,  unless  otherwise 

requested. 

(Signed.)     CHARLES  NEWMAN, 

Siif^i-rintcndcut. 


The  ADMiNiS'i'iJAiioN  (*v  EruorKAN  Haths.  in.") 

SWIMiMING  — CERTIFICATE  OF  FROFICIENCY. 
THIS  IS  TO  Cl-.k  ril\'  tlKit 

aged ,  residing-  at ,  has 

acquired  tlie  art  of  Swimming,  under  my  tuition,  and  is  proficient 

in 

Westminster  Baths,  London,  S.  W. 
189     . 

INSTRUCTIONS   FOR  THE   PROPER   USE   OF  THE 
WATER  CHUTE. 

1.  Get  yourself  into  position  by  the  use  of  the  ropes. 

2.  Do  not  hold  the  sides  of  the  chute  while  sliding. 

3.  Keep  the  head  well  down  and  the  body  stiff. 

4.  Do  not  run  down  the  chute. 

5.  Not  more  than  two  persons  must  use  tlie  chute  at  one  time. 

6.  Do  not  crawl  up  the  chute. 

NOTICE    TO    CLUB,    SCHOOL    AND    SPECIAL    TICKET 

HOLDERS. 

All  club  and  school  tickets  must  have  tlie  name  of  the  club  or 
school  issuing  the  same,  written  or  stamped  across  the  face  of  such 
tickets  before  presentation  at  the  pay  office,  and  they,  and  also  special 
book  tickets,  must  be  shown  to  the  money-taker,  who  will,  previous 
to  the  issuing  of  towels,  stamp  such  tickets  with  the  official  date  stamp. 

Club  and  school  tickets  are  not  transferable,  and  will  only  be 
accepted  from  bona  fide  members  of  the  clubs  and  scholars  of  schools 
having  permission  to  use  them;  any  other  person  presenting  them 
will  not  be  admitted,  and  the  clul)  or  school  issuing  the  same  will  not 
be  allowed  further  concession. 

iMembers  of  clubs  must,  if  required,  produce  their  cards  of  mem- 
bership before  using  the  swimming  baths. 

All  school  bathers  must  be  in  charge  of  a  master  or  mistress,  and 
under  proper  control. 

Members  of  clubs  are  respectfully  asked  to  assist  the  manage- 
ment by  leaving  the  baths  directly  after  practice,  in  order  to  allow 
others  to  bathe. 


15C  Mayou's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

rolo  practice  not  allowed  without  permission  of  the  Superin- 
tendent. , 
By  order. 

HOW  TO  SAVE  LIFE  FROM  DROWNING  IN  A  BATH- 
NEWMAN'S  METHOD. 

Approach  tlie  person  (if  possible)  from  behind,  grasp  by  or  near 
the  waist,  the  position  of  the  arms,  together  with  the  weight  of  the 
drowning  person,  will  cause  you  to  sink.  Immediately  your  feet 
touch  the  bottom  of  the  bath,  you  will  find  that  though  you  are  under 
water,  the  drowning  person  will  not  only  be  on  or  above  the  surface, 
but  that  you  will  be  able  to  walk  to  the  side  of  the  bath  and  deposit 
your  burden  with  comparative  ease  and  safety. 

This  method  only  applies  where  a  person  has  to  be  rescued  in 
the  deep  end  of  the  bath,  and  may  be  successfully  accomplished  by  a 
non-swimmer. 

TO  RESTORE  THE  APPARENTLY  DROWNED  — MODE 
OF  PROCEDURE. 
Place  the  patient  on  the  side  of  the  bath,  face  downwards,  and, 

1.  Loosen  the  bathing  drawers  at  the  waist. 

2.  Stand  astride  the  patient  wath  your  face  towards  the  head, 
lock  vour  fingers  together  under  the  abdomen  and  raise  the  body  as 
high  as  possible  without  lifting  the  head  or  toes  from  the  ground,  at 
the  same  time  jerking  the  body  of  the  patient  in  order  to  remove 
mucus  and  water  from  the  windpipe. 

3.  Turn  the  patient  on  his  back  and  slightly  raise  the  upper 
portion  of  the  body  by  placing  something  under  the  shoulder  blades; 
cleanse  the  mouth  and  nostrils,  open  the  mouth,  draw  forth  the 
tongue  and  secure  it  by  an  elastic  band  or  string  under  the  patient's 
chin. 

4.  Proceed  to  draw  the  air  into  tlie  lungs  by  grasping  the  pa- 
tient's arms  above  the  elbows  and  draw  them  up  gently  until  they 
meet  above  the  head,  bring  them  down  again  and  press  firmly  against 
the  sides  of  the  chest  whilst  an  attendant  is,  at  the  same  time  gently 
pressing  the  abdomen;  repeat  these  actions  alternately  until  there  is 


The  Administuation  of  Eikoi-kan  Baths.  1.17 

some  perceivable  effort  by  the  patient  to  breatlie,  remembering  that 
it  may  be  an  hour  or  more  before  your  efforts  prove  successful. 
During  these  operations  the  patient's  hands  and  legs  may  be  rubbed 
briskly,  and  smelling  salts  placed  to  the  nostrils. 

5.  When  the  patient  connnences  to  breathe,  induce  circulation 
and  warmth  by  rubbing  the  body  with  warm  cloths  or  briskly  with 
your  hands.  Hot-water  bottles  may  also  be  put  to  the  soles  of  the 
feet. 

6.  When  the  patient  can  swallow,  give  hot  coffee,  milk  or 
brandy. 

PHOVIXCIAL.    BATHS. 

As  an  illustration  of  the  by-laws  governing  provincial  baths, 
those  of  Birmingham  are  annexed,  having  been  copied  by  many  other 
cities.  In  some  places  the  penalty  attached  to  violation  of  the  rules  is 
higher;  in  Coventry,  for  instance,  it  is  £5  ($25). 

"  2.  Every  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall,  before 
being  admitted  to  any  bath  or  bathroom,  obtain,  by  payment,  from 
the  authorized  money-taker,  a  ticket  whereon  shall  be  stated,  in  addi- 
tion to  such  other  particulars  as  the  Town  Council  may  from  time  to 
time  direct,  the  class  or  description  of  bath  to  which  such  person  shall 
be  entitled  to  be  admitted,  and  every  person  shall,  on  being  admitted 
to  use  any  bath,  deliver  to  the  bath  attendant,  or  other  servant  em- 
ployed thereat,  such  ticket  of  admission  as  shall  have  been  issued  by 
the  authorized  money-taker. 

"  3.  Every  bather  in  the  swimming  and  plunging  baths  shall 
wear  bathing  drawers,  costume,  or  bathing  dress,  and  such  drawers, 
costume,  or  dress  must  be  made  of  material  that  will  not  discolor  the 
water. 

"  4.  No  bath  attendant,  officer,  or  servant  employed  at  the  public 
baths,  other  than  a  duly  authorized  money-taker,  shall  receive  from 
any  person  resorting  thereto  any  payment  for  the  hire  or  use  of  any 
articles,  or  for  any  purpose  whatsoever,  without  the  knowledge  and 
consent  of  the  Superintendent. 

CLOSETS    AND    BOXES. 

"  5.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not,  by  forcible 
or  improper  means,  seek  admission  to  any  bathroom  or  compartment 
which  shall  be  occupied  by  any  person  using  a  separate  bath. 


158  Mayou's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

"  6.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not,  by  forcible 
or  improper  means,  seek  admission  to  any  swimming  bath  at  any 
time  when  such  swinmiing  bath  or  the  dressing-rooms,  closets,  boxes, 
or  compartments  attached  thereto  shall  be  occupied  by  the  full  num- 
ber of  persons  authorized  to  use,  at  one  and  the  same  time,  such  swim- 
ming bath,  or  dressing-rooms,  closets,  boxes  or  compartments. 

WAITING. 

"  7.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not,  by  forcible 
or  improper  means,  seek  admission  to  any  bathroom  or  dressing- 
room  before  any  person  who,  by  priority  of  payment,  shall  be  entitled 
to  prior  admission  to  such  bath,  but  each  person  shall  be  admitted 
consecutively  in  the  order  indicated  by  the  number  on  the  tickets  of 
admission. 

"  8.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not  use  any 
bath  of  a  higher  class  or  description  than  that  of  the  bath  for  which 
he  shall  have  obtained  a  ticket  of  admission. 

"  9.  Every  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall,  while  wait- 
ing on  the  premises  for  admission  to  any  bath  or  bathroom,  remain 
only  in  such  portion  of  the  premises  as  shall  be  set  apart  as  a  waiting- 
room  for  intending  bathers,  and  no  person  shall  be  admitted  to  any 
other  part  of  the  establishment,  excepting  to  that  for  which  he  shall 
have  obtained  a  ticket. 

"  10.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not,  after  using 
any  bath  or  Cjuitting  any  bathroom,  dressing-room  or  compartment, 
loiter  or  remain,  without  reasonable  excuse,  in  any  passage  leading 
to  or  from  any  bath  or  bathroom. 

"11.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not,  at  any 
time  after  being  admitted  at  any  swimming  bath,  or  while  occupying 
any  dressing-room,  closet,  bo.x,  or  compartment  attached  thereto, 
enter  or  seek  admission  to  any  other  dressing-room,  closet,  box  or 
compartment,  when  occupied  by  any  person,  without  the  consent  of 
such  person,  or  otherwise  knowingly  intrude  upon  or  interfere  with 
the  privacy  of  any  other  jjerson  using  such  swimming  bath  or  occupy- 
ing any  dressing-room,  closet,  box  or  compartment  attached  thereto. 
"12.  A  person  resorting  to  the  ])ublic  baths  shall  not,  at  any 
time  after  being  admitted  to  or  while  occupying  any  bathroom  or 


The  Ad.mimsi'uatiox  <»r  EritorEAN  Baths.  159 

compartment  coiUainini::^  a  scj)aratc  batli,  enter  or  seek  admission 
to  such  bathroom  or  comj)artment  wlien  oeeiipied  by  any  person, 
without  the  consent  of  such  person,  or  otherwise  knowingly  intrude 
upon,  or  interfere  with  the  privacy  of  any  person  occupying  any 
adjoining  bathroom  or  compartment. 

MAN    OR    BOY. 

"  13.  A  man  or  boy  above  eight  years  old  resorting  to  the  jjublic 
baths  shall  not  enter  or  use  any  bath  which  shall  be  appointed  or 
appropriated  for  the  use  of  any  w^oman,  or  girl,  or  child  under  eight 
years  old. 

"  14.  A  woman  or  girl,  or  child  under  eight  years  old  resorting 
to  the  public  baths  shall  not  enter  or  use  any  bath  which  shall  be 
appointed  or  appropriated  for  the  use  of  any  man  or  boy  above  eight 
years  old. 

TURKISH    BATH. 

"  15.  A  person  shall  not  knowingly  occupy  any  private  bath- 
room or  any  dressing-room  in  the  swinuning  or  plunge  bath  for  a 
longer  period  than  thirty  minutes,  nor  any  dressing-room  in  the 
Turkish  bath  department  for  a  longer  period  than  two  hours,  unless 
such  person  shall,  upon  demand  being  made  by  the  Superintendent 
(or  by  the  bath  attendant  acting  upon  his  instructions),  pay  to  such 
Superintendent  a  sum  equal  to  the  amount  previously  paid  by  such 
person  as  a  charge  for  admission  to  such  bathroom  or  swimming 
bath. 

"  16.  Every  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall,  at  all 
times,  exercise  reasonable  and  proper  care  in  the  use  of  any  bath  or 
bathroom,  dressing-room,  closet,  box  or  compartment. 

"  17.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not,  at  any 
time,  carelessly  or  negligently  break,  or  injure,  or  improperly  inter- 
fere with  the  due  and  efificient  action  of  any  lock,  cock,  valve  pipe, 
work,  or  engine  or  machinery  in  connection  with  any  bath,  or  care- 
lessly or  negligently  injure  any  furniture,  fittings,  or  conveniences  of 
any  bath,  bathroom,  dressing-room,  closet,  box  or  compartment. 

"18.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not,  at  any 
time,  carelessly  or  negligently  injure  or  destroy  any  towel  or  other 
linen,  or  other  article  supplied  for  his  use. 


160  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

:»iai-t  liquor. 

"  19.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths,  and  any  officer  or 
servant  or  other  person  employed  thereat,  shall  not,  at  any  time, 
introduce  into  the  building  any  spirituous  or  intoxicating  liquors,  or 
smoke  or  drink  any  malt  liquor  therein. 

"  20.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not  at  any 
time,  while  being  on  the  premises,  use  any  indecent  and  offensive 
language,  or  behave  in  an  indecent  and  offensive  manner. 

"21.  Any  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not  at  any 
time,  while  being  upon  the  premises,  by  any  disorderly  or  improper 
conduct,  disturb  or  interrupt  any  otlicr  person  in  the  proper  use  of 
any  bath,  bathroom,  dressing-room,  closet,  box  or  compartment,  or 
any  of^cer,  servant,  or  person  appointed  or  employed  by  the  Town 
Council,  in  the  proper  execution  of  his  duty. 

"  22.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not  cause  or 
allow  any  dog  belonging  to  such  person  or  under  his  control,  to 
enter  or  remain  in  any  bath,  bathroom,  dressing-room,  closet,  box 
or  compartment,  or  in  any  passage  leading  to  or  from  any  bath  or 
bathroom. 

"  23.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not  at  any 
time,  while  being  in  any  swimming  bath,  use  any  soap  or  other  sul)- 
stance  or  preparation  whereby  the  water  in  such  swimming  batli 
may  be  rendered  turbid  or  unfit  for  the  proper  use  of  bathers. 

"  24.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not  wilfully 
and  improperly  foul  or  pollute  the  water  in  any  separate  bath  or  in 
any  swimming  bath,  or  wilfully  or  improperly  soil  or  defile  any 
towel,  bathing  drawers,  or  bathing  dress  supplied  for  his  use,  or  any 
bathroom,  dressing-room,  closet,  box  or  compartment,  or  any  furni- 
ture or  article  therein. 

"  25.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths  shall  not  at  any 
time,  while  suffering  from  any  cutaneous,  infectious  or  contagious 
disease,  enter  or  use  any  swimming  bath  or  any  separate  bath. 

"  26.  A  person  resorting  to  the  public  baths,  and  any  officer  or 
servant  employed  thereat,  finding  any  article  which  may  have  been 
left  in  any  bathroom,  or  dressing-room,  or  in  any  other  part  of  the 
establishment,  shall,  immediately  after  finding  such  article,  deliver 


O 


TllK    Ad.MIN'ISTUAIIoN    t»F    Kl  UOI'KAN    liATIIS.  101 

the  same  to  the  Supcrintc-iuKiit  (or  other  person  authorized  to  receive 
such  articles  I,  who  shall  (luri'upon  register  a  description  of  the  same 
and  all  particulars  relating  thereto  in  the  book  kept  for  that  purpose, 
and  any  person  losing  such  article  shall,  upon  giving  satisfactory 
proof  thereof,  receive  such  article  from  the  Superintendent  (or  other 
person  authorized  to  receive  such  articles)  u])(jn  entering  his  or  her 
name  in  the  book  referred  to. 

PEXALTIES. 

"2".  Everv  person  resorting  to  the  ])ul)lic  baths  who  shall 
ofTend  against  any  of  the  foregoing  by-laws  shall  be  liable  for  every 
offense  to  a  penalty  of  forty  shillings  ($io). 

"  Provided,  nevertheless,  that  the  jtistices  before  wdiom  any  com- 
plaint may  be  made  or  any  proceedings  may  be  taken  in  respect  of 
any  such  offense  may,  if  they  tliink  fit,  adjudge  the  payment,  as  a 
penalty,  of  any  sum  less  than  the  full  amount  of  the  penalty  imposed 

bv  this  bv-law. 

(Signed)     E.  O.  SMITH, 

l^ozi'u  Clerk." 

COLD    UATH    CHKAPEK. 

The  Baths  and  Waslihouses  Act  stipulates  that  the  number  of 
baths  for  the  laboring  classes  in  public  baths  and  waslihouses  shall 
not  be  less  than  twice  the  number  of  baths  of  any  higher  class  if  but 
one,  or  of  all  the  baths  of  any  higher  classes,  if  more  than  one,  in 
the  same  building.  In  practice  this  is  usually,  but  not  always,  adhered 
to.  There  are  generally  two  classes  of  baths;  the  first-class  price  for 
both  slipper  and  swimming  baths  is  most  commonly  6d.  Second- 
class  private  baths  are  3d.  and  2d.  in  different  establishments.  A  cold 
bath  is  usually  cheaper.  For  a  second-class  swinmiing  bath  also,  3d. 
or  2d.  is  charged ;  the  latter  charge  is  usually  where  a  private  dressing- 
room  is  not  provided.  Extra  charge  is  made  at  the  baths  for  the  loan 
of  bathing  costumes  or  caps,  soap,  etc.  A  special  rate  is  often  made 
for  school  children  and  clubs.  The  following  are  the  forms  of  appli- 
cation for  these  rates  in  use  at  the  Westminster  Baths: 
11 


H')'2  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

APPLICATION    FOR   SPECIAL  TICKET   BOOK  — CLUB. 
Questions.  Answers  to  be  ^,'iveu  by  Secretary  of  Club. 

Name  of  Club 

Headqtiarters 

Number  of  members 

Name  and  address  of  Secretary 

Entrance  fee  and  subscription 

First  or  second  class 

The  club  must  provide  a  rubber  or  some  suitable  stamp,  and 
stamp  across  on  the  face  of  each  ticket  the  name  of  the  clul),  and  the 
secretary  must  sign  his  name  below  such  stamp  mark. 

Attendance  by  arrangement  with  Superintendent.  Xo  allow- 
ance made  for  untised  tickets. 

Club  tickets  are  not  transferable,  and  will  not  be  available  for  use 
unless  the  foregoing  rules  are  cotnplied  with. 

Signature  of  Secretary 

(Signed)     CHARLES  NEWMAN, 

Superintendent. 
SCHOOL. 
Questions.  Answers  to  be  given  by  Head  Master. 

Name  of  school 

Where  situated 

Name  of  Head  Master  or  Mistress 

Number  of  books  required 

First  or  second  class 

The  Head  Master  or  Head  Mistress  must  provide  a  rubber  or 
some  stamp  and  stamp  across  the  face  of  each  ticket  the  name  of  the 
school  and  sign  his  or  her  name  below  such  stamp  mark. 

Attendance  by  arrangement  with  Superintendent.  No  allow- 
ance made  for  unused  tickets. 

Boys  must  be  in  charge  of  a  Master  and  under  proper  control. 
Tickets  will  not  be  available  for  use  unless  the  foregoing  rules 
are  complied  with. 

Signature  of  Head  Master 

(Signed)     WARRINGTON  ROGERS.  C/rrA-. 

CHARLES  NEWMAN.  Superintendent. 


Thk  Administration  (»f  European  Baths.  1G'.^ 

Careful  accounts  arc  kept,  and  well  tabulated,  so  that  each  year's 
report  gives  very  full  information  as  to  the  number  using  the  baths, 
receipts  and  expenses. 

German  baths,  though  efficiently  controlled  by  the  municipality, 
are  often,  as  at  Hamburg,  managed  by  a  private  society,  which  is 
allowed  only  a  fixed  rate  of  interest,  any  surplus  going  to  the  benefit 
of  the  city.  Where,  as  at  Berlin  and  Ciiemnitz,  the  city  operates  its 
own  baths,  they  are  under  the  management  of  a  committee  of  the 
city  council. 

At  Gothenburg  the  river  baths  are  managed  by  the  city  financial 
board,  the  two  other  bathing  establishments  by  special  committees 
under  the  citv's  control. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Public  Laundries. 
The  Baths  Commissioners  are  also  the  authority  for  the  public 
washhouse,  usually  built  in  connection  with  the  baths  themselves, 
though  sometimes,  as  in  Liverpool,  it  may  occupy  a  separate  building. 

MAXGLING— STKAM    ^VRINGER. 

One  of  the  newest  and  best  appointed  washhouses  in  London  is 
that  at  the  Hornsey  Road,  Islington,  baths.  Every  effort  is  made 
here  to  discourage  the  professional  washerwoman,  the  charge  being 
one  penny  the  first  hour,  three  halfpence  the  second,  and  2d.  every 
succeeding  hour.  If  mangling  only  is  done,  a  charge  of  6d.  an  hour 
is  made,  the  high  rate  being  to  ])revent  tlie  underselling  of  the  poorer 
women  who  eke  out  a  living  by  taking  in  mangling.  The  dirty  linen 
is  usually  brought  in  perambulators  or  rolled  up  in  large  bundles. 
Each  woman  receives  from  the  lady  clerk  a  ticket,  on  which  her  name 
and  the  time  of  starting  are  set  down.  This' ticket  is  handed  by  the 
visitor  to  one  of  the  female  attendants  within  the  laundry,  who  in  her 
turn  fastens  it  upon  one  of  the  drying  horses,  the  number  on  which 
corresponds  with  the  number  on  the  washing-tub  the  woman  is 
entitled  to  use.  There  are  fifty  washing-tubs,  so  that  number  of 
people  can  carry  on  their  work  at  the  same  time.  The  whole  accom- 
modation is  often  taken  up,  and  sometimes  as  many  as  thirty  women 
are  waiting  outside  for  vacancies,  a  circumstance  which  would  seem 
sufificient  to  justify  the  Commissioners  in  their  scheme  for  extending 
the  laundry.  At  the  tub  tlie  washer  is  supplied  with  footboard,  pail, 
copper  stick,  washing  board,  and  has  three  taps  under  her  command 
for  the  supply  of  hot  and  cold  water  and  steam.  From  the  tub  the 
washer  takes  her  linen  to  the  steam  wringer,  which,  making  about 
800  revolutions  to  the  minute,  draws  out  the  water  in  a  remarkably 
short  space  of  time.  After  a  few  minutes  in  the  wringer  the  clothes 
are  then  removed  to  the  drying  horse,  heated  by  steam  pipes  from 
below,  and  from  the  drying  horse  they  are  carried  to  an  adjoining 


PlKMC    T^AINMUIKS.  165 

room,  where  tlie  mangling^  and  inniinq-  complete  tlie  work.  The 
English  mangle  is  a  machine  similar  to  tlie  hand  wringer,  but  used 
for  pressing  clothes  after  drying.  'J'he  rollers  are  most  commonly  of 
wood,  and  the  machine  is  turned  by  hand,  or,  in  these  large  laundries, 
bv  steam.  The  polish  given  to  the  clothes  saves  the  necessity  of 
ironing  sheets,  i)illow  slips,  towels,  or.  indeed,  any  linen  that  is  not 
shirred  or  pleated.  When  the  work  is  finished  the  woman  takes  her 
ticket  to  the  lady  clerk  at  the  door,  who  makes  up  the  time  and 
charges  the  required  amount.  Besides  the  public  laundry  Hornsey 
Road  has  an  establishment  laundry  in  the  basement,  and  here  some- 
times 5.000  towels  are  washed  in  a  single  day. 

NKW    SYSTK.M. 

The  I'Vederick  Street  Baths  and  Washhouse,  opened  in  1842  in 
Liverpool,  was  the  first  establishment  of  the  kind  in  Great  Britain. 
When  reconstructed  in  1854  it  was  made  a  w^ashhouse  only,  other 
baths  having  been  provided.  Three  other  baths  in  Liverpool  contain 
washhouse  accommodation.  At  the  Lodge  Lane  washhouse  great 
improvements  were  made  in  1894-5  in  the  drying  apparatus.  Form- 
erlv  the  clothing  was  put  into  six  chambers,  each  subdivided  so  as 
to  give  a  certain  amount  of  space  to  each  washer,  and  left  to  bake  dry 
in  a  temperature  of  180  degrees  for  two  hours.  The  new  system  is 
drying  by  hot  air  in  motion,  so  that  a  natural  drying  is  obtained  and 
the  clothing  is  in  no  way  damaged.  The  chambers  are  now  arranged 
so  that  each  person's  clothing  is  under  lock  and  key,  thus  obviating 
the  thefts  so  common  under  the  old  system.  It  is  probably  owing  to 
these  alterations  that  the  washhouse  lost  a  great  deal  of  its  custom, 
many  of  the  regular  washers  having  bought  their  own  washing  requi- 
sites and  not  being  then  willing  to  go  back.  The  decrease  in  the  Bur- 
roughs Garden  estal:)lishment  was  attributed  to  the  demolition  of 
unsanitary  property  in  the  neighborhood,  and  the  consequent  re- 
moval of  many  of  the  washers. 

Edinburgh  washhouse  authorities,  having  regard  to  the  fact  that 
a  mother  cannot  leave  young  children  at  home  alone,  and  often  has 
no  one  to  look  after  them  while  she  comes  to  the  public  washhouse, 
graciously  permit  each  washer  to  bring  two  children,  but  on  the 
condition  that  thev  shall  not  be  allowed  access  to  the  engine-room. 


166  Mayou's  Committkk  on  Puiu.ic  Baths. 

Usually  no  children  arc  allowed.  l^dinhurG^h  also  permits  to  its 
washers  the  use  of  private  hot  and  cold  baths,  with  showers,  on  pro- 
duction of  the  deposit  ticket,  at  the  rate  of  2d.  an  hour  or  part  of  an 
hour.  Washers  have  to  deposit  one  shilling  on  entering,  and  must 
leave  the  stall  and  appliances  used  by  them  clean  and  ready  for 
immediate  use. 

PRICES. 

The  prices  do  not  vary  much  and  are  generally  less  for  the  first 
two  than  for  subsequent  hours,  as  it  is  reckoned  that  most  of  the 
women  will  get  through  their  private  washing  in  that  time.  In  spite 
of  this,  the  average  time  worked  is  three  and  one-half  hours  at  St. 
James,  Westminster,  baths.  The  scale  of  charges  at  St.  Margaret  and 
St.  John,  Westminster,  is  as  follows: 

PUBLIC  BATHS  AND  WASHHOUSES. 

SCALE  OF  CHARGES. 

LAUNDRY  AND  WASHHOUSE  DEPARTMENT. 

K.  d.     \  8.  d. 

1  hour 0     1^1     7     hours 1     1 

2  hours 0     3  Tn'onrs 1     2 

2i  hours 0     4     i     8     hours 1     3 

3  lioiirs 0     4^1     8^  hours 1     4 

3^  bours 0     6     I     9     liours 1     5 

4  hours 0     7     I     9^  hours 1     6 

4+  hours 0     8     j  10     hours 1     7 

5  hours 0     9        lOA  hours I     8 

5i  hours OKI        11     hours 1     9 

6  hours 0  11        Hi  hours 1  10 

6i  hours 1     0        12     hoors Ill 

X.  B. —  Persons  exceeding  any  of  the  above  periods  more  than 
five  minutes  will  be  charged  the  full  hour  or  half-hour  as  the  case 
may  be. 

At  the  Liverpool  washhouscs  the  charges  for  washing  and  dry- 
ing (including  use  of  dolly  tul)  and  maiden)  are:  One  hour  only,  one 
penny  per  liour;  if  for  two  or  more  hours  together  in  one  day,  then 
for  every  hour,  including  the  first,  tliree  half-pence  per  hour. 

Following  are  the  rules  at  the  Westminster  washhouse.  It  will 
be  noticed  that  it  has  been  found  necessary  to  exact  3d.  caution 
money  before  allowing  a  washer  to  enter,  a  sufficient  evidence  that 
the  washhouse  is  used  by  a  poor  class  of  people. 


IMnLic  Laundiuios.  kit 

RULES  AXn  REGULATIONS  FOR  WASHERS  —  WHICH 
WILL  P.K  STRICTLY  ENFORCED. 

1.  The  \\ashli(jus(.'s  arc  open  from  8  a.  ni.  to  8  p.  m.  (Sundays 
and  bank  holidays  excepted),  and  all  washers  are  requested  to  leave 
the  buildinp^  in  a  proper  and  orderly  manner  innncdiatcly  at  the  hour 
of  closinj^. 

2.  The  charges  for  the  use  of  sej)arate  \vashin,c^  compartment, 
steam  (Iryinfi;-  horse,  mangle,  tables  and  irons,  are  as  under: 

One  hour i |d. 

Two  hours ;^(\. 

Two  and  a  half  hours 4d. 

Three  hours 4^d. 

Three  and  a  half  hours 6d. 


And  for  every  succeeding  half-hour,  id.,  and  should  the  hour  or 
half-hour  be  exceeded  by  more  than  five  minutes,  it  will  be  counted 
for  as  a  half-hour. 

TICKETS. 

3.  Every  washer  before  entering  the  washhouse  shall  procure 
admission  tickets  at  the  pay  office,  her  name  and  time  of  entrance 
will  be  written  thereon  by  the  money-taker;  one  of  such  tickets  must 
be  handed  to  the  attendant,  who  will  admit  the  bearer  in  the  order 
of  entrance  to  an  unoccupied  compartment.  The  other  ticket  the 
washer  must  retain  for  production  to  the  money-taker  upon  leaving,, 
in  order  that  the  proper  charge  may  be  made. 

4.  See  that  the  correct  time  is  put  on  your  ticket  at  the  time  of 
entrance,  as  no  alteration  can  afterwards  be  made. 

5.  Your  ticket  must  not  be  placed  upon  the  drying  horse  until 
yo^jr  clothes  are  ready  to  be  dried,  and  must  not  remain  on  the  horse 
after  the  clothes  are  dry. 

uKYiNU  hokse:. 

6.  One  drying  horse  only  is  allowed  to  the  use  of  each  washer, 
and  if  it  is  found  that  a  drying  horse  is  being  used  without  having 
previously  obtained  a  ticket  for  same,  or  that  a  washer  is  using 


I(j8  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

another's  ticket,  the  clothes  of  the  person  so  usin_q"  the  same  will  be 
removed  from  the  drying  horse  and  detained  until  another  ticket  has 
been  obtain eil  from  the  j^ay  office. 

7.  The  time  occupied  from  enterinc^  until  leaving,  will  have  to  be 
strictly  paid  for;  washers  should,  therefore,  be  careful  to  make  the 
best  use  of  their  time. 

8.  Washers,  upon  the  completion  of  tlieir  work,  must  take  their 
tickets  to  the  attendant,  who  will  enter  upon  the  ticket  the  time  occu- 
pied by  the  washers;  the  money-taker  will  then  make  the  charge  and 
receive  payment,  without  wdiich  the  clothes  will  be  detained. 

9.  Starch  is  only  to  be  made  and  used  in  the  washhouse,  where 
tables,  etc.,  are  provided  for  the  purpose. 

10.  Washers  must  not  unnecessarily  slop  the  floors,  or  waste 
the  water  or  steam.  No  wet  clothes  must  be  placed  in  the  mangles. 
Washers  must  use  the  greatest  caution  in  the  use  of  the  mangles  and 
hydros,  the  engineer  or  the  attendant  will  advise  when  necessary. 

POOD,    BONNETS,    SHAAVL.S. 

11.  Xf)  f(^(id.  bonnets,  shawls,  etc.,  are  to  be  placed  upon  the 
tables;  pegs  and  shelves  are  provided  for  the  purpose. 

12.  No  washer  is  allowed  to  bring  clothes  into  the  building  in 
a  state  of  vermin,  or  those  that  have  been  used  by  persons  suffering 
from  infectious  or  contagious  diseases,  unless  and  until  such  articles 
have  ])cen  disinfected  and  purified,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  sanitarv 
authorities. 

13.  Soap  and  soda  may  be  obtained  from  the  attendant  at  fixed 
prices. 

14.  No  indecent,  insulting  or  ofTensivc  language  is  allowed  to 
be  used,  and  any  washer  who  shall  wilfully  obstruct  or  interfere  with 
another,  or  who,  by  her  actions,  is  likely  to  create  a  disturbance,  will 
be  immediately  expelled,  and  will  be  refused  admittance  in  the  future. 

15.  No  children  will  be  admitted. 

16.  Washers  must  not  oflfer  gifts  or  money  to  the  attendants,  the 
receipt  of  which  subjects  them  to  dismissal. 

17.  Water-closets  are  in  the  building. 

18.  Washers  are,  for  their  own  comfort,  re(|uesteil  to  see  that 
these  rules  and  regulations  are  strictly  carried  out,  but  if.  upon  rejiort, 


l*ui?r,i(;  LArNinuES.  1G9 

it  is  found  that  any  waslK-r  refuses,  or  lias  refused  to  do  so,  she  will 
not  he  a.qain  admitted  to  the  huildinj:^. 

By  Order  of  the  Commissioners. 

Washers  are  strietly  forl)id(Ieu  to  Ijrinjj:-  spirituous  or  malt  liciuors 
into  tlie  buildint;-. 

Washers  must  deposit  ^d.  with  tlie  money-taker  previous  to 
entering  the  washhouse. 

WASIIHOUSE  DEPARTMENT  NOTICE. 
You  are  not  allowed  the  use  of  tlie  mangle  for  more  than  one 
]i<)ur  at  a  time. 

MA\t;LK    AND    IKO\. 

You  are  not  allowed  to  mangle  and  iron  at  one  time. 
You  must  finish  in  tlie  washhouse  before  you  begin  to  mangle 
and  iron,  and  if  you  are  found  to  be  having  the  use  of  both  depart- 
ments at  one  time,  or  that  you  are  using  the  ticket  of  another  person, 
\ou  will  1)0  charged  accordingly,  and,  in  default  of  payment,  your 
clothes  will  be  retained  tmtil  payment  is  made  for  the  time  so 
occupied. 

If  you  lose  your  ticket  you  are  liable  to  be  charged  from  the 
time  the  washhouse  is  opened,  viz.,  8  a.  m. 

By  Order. 

(Signed)     C.   NEWMAN, 

Supcri)itc)idcuf. 

Liverpool's  regulations  for  its  washhouses  will  serve  as  an  exam- 
])le  of  provincial  re((uirements.  The  caution  money  here  is  greater, 
6d. 

1.  I'lach  {KTson  taking  a  ticket  thereby  engages  to  perform  and 
abide  by  all  the  following  regulations,  and  is  admitted  only  on  such 
conditions. 

ONE    PK.\NY. 

2.  The  charge  for  each  compartrnent  and  the  conveniences  for 
<lrying  shall  be  one  penny  per  hour;  if  for  more  than  one  hour,  or 
part  of  an  hour,  together  in  one  day,  then  for  every  hour  or  part  of 
an  hour,  including  the  first,  i^d.  per  hour. 

3.  Each  person  shall,  on  entering,  make  a  dei)Osit  of  6d.  and 
olitam  a  tickt't   statin^'  the  hour,  ami   sliall  show  the  same  to  the 


170  Mayou's  CoMMri'TEE  OS  Pcp.LK'   Hatiis. 

waslihijuse  at'eiulant,  wlio  will  point  out  the  compartment  to  be 
used.  On  leavin,',''  each  ])erson  shall  apply  to  the  attendant,  who 
will  state  on  the  ticket  the  time  the  compartment  has  been  occupied. 
His  statement  is  conclusive. 

4.  Every  person  using  a  compartment  for  more  tlian  four  hours 
must,  on  the  expiration  of  the  ftjurth  hour,  immediately  obtain  a  new 
ticket.  If  two  persons  jointly  wish  to  use  the  same  compartment, 
each  must  obtain  a  ticket. 

5.  The  money  due  for  use  and  occupation  of  the  compartment 
and  conveniences,  after  deducting-  the  deposit,  shall  be  paid  to  the 
money-taker  by  each  person  before  leaving. 

6.  The  superintendent,  washhouse  attendant,  or  money-taker,, 
or  either  of  them  may,  on  non-payment,  detain  all  or  such  part  of  the 
clothes  brought  to  be  washed  as  they,  or  either  of  them,  may  think 
fit,  and  siell  the  same,  and  with  the  proceeds  defray  tlie  charges  for 
washing  and  expenses  of  sale,  returning  the  surplus,  if  any,  to  tlie 
owner  of  the  goods  on  demand. 

7.  Any  person  wilfully  or  negligently  damaging  the  premises 
or  any  article  thereon,  shall  be  lialile  to  be  turned  out  and  shall  be 
answerable  for  all  such  damage. 

8.  All  clothes,  etc.,  which  may  be  left  shall  be  delivered  to  the 
Superintendent  or  washhouse  attendant,  who  shall  cause  the  same  to 
be  registered  in  a  book  for  that  purpose. 

INFECTED    CLOTHES. 

[).  Any  person  bringing  infected  clothes  into  the  washhouse 
will  be  prosecuted. 

10.  No  wet  clothes  will  be  permitted  to  be  brought  into  the 
washhouse. 

11.  Every  person  is  rec|uested  to  be  careful  not  to  waste  the 
water  or  steam,  nor  slop  the  floors. 

12.  Any  person  requiring  assistance  will  receive  it  hy  calling 
out  the  number  of  her  comjiartment. 

13.  No  gratuities  to  be  received  by  the  superintendent,  assistant 
or  money-taker  on  pain  of  dismissal. 

14.  No  children  admitted. 

15.  .Smoking  in  the  estal)lishnirnl  strictly  forbidden. 

16.  The  Cori)oration  will  not  be  responsible  ior  any  loss  or 
damage  caused  by  fires,  etc.,  or  for  articles  stolen. 


Public  Laundries. 


171 


17.  Tlic  washlunisc  is  open  from  tS  a.  m.  to  6  p.  m.  on  Monday, 
Tuesday,  Wednesday.  Thursday  and  I'liday. 

18.  No  ticket  issued  after  5  p.  in.  Xo  person  allowed  to  con- 
tinue washing  after  6  p.  m. 

19.  The  washhouse  is  closed  on  Christmas  Day,  Ciood  Friday, 
and  on  Bank  Holidays. 

20.  Every  person  coniniittinq-  a  nin'sancc,  using  profane  lan- 
guage, interrupting  the  comfort  of  another,  being  intoxicated,  or 
bringing  into  or  causing  to  be  brought  into  the  washhouse  any 
beer  or  liquor,  or  guilty  of  a  breach  of  these  regulations,  or  other 
misconduct,  shall  be  liable  to  be  turned  out. 

By  order, 

(Signed)     W.  R.  COURT, 
Engineer  and  Chief  Superintendent. 

The  money-taker  not  only  has  to  keep  strict  account  of  the 
number  of  hours  each  washer  has  worked,  but  also  of  the  soap  and 
soda  sold  to  her. 


LAINDKV    DIOrARTMENT  — MONKV-TAKERS    DAILY    ACCOUNT. 

£      s.     d. 

led  yesterdny 

Total  No.  issued 


No.  of  last  ticket  issued  to-day  -  - 
No.  of  last  ticket  iesued  yesterdny 


No.  of  washers  . . . 

No.  of  hours 

No.  of  half  hours 


Lbs.: 

Soap 
Soda 


Goods . 


8.  d. 


Gold . . 
Silver. 
Copper 


Total 


Dat( 


d. 


Total. 


,  Money-Taker. 


172  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

N.  B. — This  form  must  be  accurately  filled  up  by  money-taker 
at  the  end  of  each  day,  and  must  correspond,  in  every  ]:)articular, 
with  the  money-taker's  daily  account  book. 

The  number  of  washers  using-  the  public  washhouses  at  Liver- 
pool for  the  years  1894-5,  was: 

Steble  street 44. 402  46, 1(t4 

Lodge  lane  *27, 849  3:!. C.-.T 

Burroughs  gardens   (54, Tol  G1.4UT 

Frederick  street   16,  :^i90  1.5, 117 

Total 153, 372       1.56, 37.j 


*Owing  to  alterations  this  was  open  for  four  and  one-half  weeks  only. 
Here  is  a  sample  of  the  tickets  in  use  at  tlie  ^^'estminster  Haths. 

(In  books  of  1,000.) 

No 

Name 

No.  washing  compartment 

Began  at o'clock. 

Left  ofT  at o'clock. 


s.  d. 


.  .  .  .Hours  occupied. 
Received  bv 


DIRT    AND    DISORDER. 

Working  women  and  wives  of  working  men  generally  shun  any- 
thing like  publicity  with  regard  to  their  domestic  arrangements,  and 
at  first  are  reluctant  to  resort  to  public  washhouses.  But  the  con- 
veniences and  benefits  soon  become  so  apparent  that  the  natural 
distrust  gives  wa_\'.  To  the  women  whose  families  occn]\v  one,  two 
or  three  small  rooms  in  a  tenement  house  these  opportunities  of  doing 
the  washing  away  from  home,  and  thus  preventing  dirt  and  disorder 
in  the  house,  come  like  blessings.  The  fact  alone  of  the  munici])al 
laundry  having  overcome  so  completely  the  women's  natural  ob- 
jections to  mix  among  others  in  tlieir  domestic  duties  is  an  elocjuent 
testimony  of  its  usefulness  and  superiority.  The  advantages  of 
cheap,  comfortable  and  convenient  washing  are  not  the  only  benefits 


Public  Launduiks.  IT.'i 

of  municipal  wasliliouscs;  a  broader  and  kinder  feeling  springs  u[> 
between  the  women  by  the  occasional  contact.  They  learn  from 
each  other;  they  give  and  take;  they  assist  each  other  in  many  ways. 
The  public  washhouse  might  be  said  to  be  the  beginning  of  communal 
life  in  strictl\-  household  matters.  Just  as  much  of  the  washing  of 
working  peo]')le  is  better  done  in  a  central,  well-e(|uipped  building, 
supported  conjointly  by  the  people  through  the  rates,  instead  of  each 
separate  little  home  being  thrown  into  commotion  by  soap-suds  and 
wet  linen,  so  might  other  domestic  arrangements,  especially  cooking, 
be  placed  upon  a  communal  basis. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Public  Comfort  Stations. 

drinks  with  meals. 

One  of  the  first  surprises,  and  a  very  disagreeable  one,  of  the  man 
who  has  spent  all  his  life  in  foreign  cities,  on  coming  to  New  York, 
is  the  entire  absence  of  those  conveniences  he  meets  with  at  home 
every  five  or  six  blocks.  He  has  not  been  accustomed  to  rely  on 
saloons,  for  he  is  most  likely  in  the  habit  of  taking  what  he  cares  to 
drink  with  his  meals.  Lately  the  closing  of  saloons  on  Sunday  has 
made  the  question  a  very  important  one  in  this  city.  The  provision 
of  public  comfort  stations  may  lead  to  the  discouraging  of  the  glass, 
taken  often  when  not  greatly  desired,  to  recompense  the  saloon 
keeper.  So  far  back  as  1866  the  need  was  realized.  The  Citizens' 
Association  of  New  York  organized  a  committee  for  sanitary  inquiry, 
consisting  of  such  well-known  men  as  Hamilton  Fish,  John  David 
Wolfe,  Edward  S.  JafTray,  John  Jacob  Astor,  August  Belmont,  and 
others,  to  inquire  principally  as  to  the  high  deathrate  at  that  time. 
The  doctors  who  reported  to  them  as  to  the  measures  to  be  taken 
to  remedy  this  called  attention  to  the  necessity  of  public  comfort 
stations,  and  said,  "  This  scandalous  want  is  regarded  with  concern  by 
medical  advisers;  but  considered  simply  as  a  cause  of  indecency  and 
a  public  nuisance  it  should  be  obviated  by  suitable  municipal  care 
and  provision,  or  by  private  enterprise,  in  preparing  needed  plans 
and  structures."  One  of  the  Sanitary  Inspectors  employed  at  this 
time  said:  "  Public  urinals  are  also  necessary  in  large  cities.  As 
constructed  in  Paris  they  disfigure  the  public  thoroughfares  and 
oflFend  public  decency;  but  such  places  might  be  built  in  the  rear  of 
small  stores,  thus  removing  every  objectionable  appearance." 

NEJWSPAPERS. 

In  the  same  year  the  engineer  of  the  Metropolitan  Board  of 
Health  reported:  "  There  has  been  considerable  discussion  as  to  the 
propriety  of  erecting,  in  difTerent  parts  of  the  cities  of  this  district. 


I'riiMC  (  Nt.Mi'oitr  S'lAi'ioNs.  175 

public  urinals  and  water-closets.  (Jf  this  necessity  there  is  no  doubt; 
the  question  is,  where  they  shall  be  located  and  how  they  shall  be  con- 
structed. I)uildinp;-s  could  be  erected  in  the  few  jniblic  squares  with 
these  conveniences,  and  of  suflficicnt  extent  to  afford  some  shelter  in 
cases  of  sudden  rain,  with  small  withdrawing:;"  rooms  for  men  and 
women,  which  should  be  under  the  charp^e  of  a  keeper  who  might  be 
paid  sufficiently  by  the  profits  on  the  sale  of  newspa]:)crs." 

An  act  was  passed  by  the  New  York  Legislature  April  23, 
1867,  authorizing  the  Croton  Aqueduct  Department  "  to  locate,  erect, 
and  establish  public  urinals  within  the  boundaries  of  any  street, 
avenue,  public  place  or  thoroughfare  in  said  city,  as  it  may  from 
time  to  time  deem  advisable,  and  connect  the  same  by  drains  or 
suitable  pipes  witli  any  adjacent  sewer."  The  department  was  also 
to  provide  for  the  maintenance  and  cleanliness  of  these  places.  A 
penalty  of  $50.  or  lliree  months'  imprisonment,  was  laid  down  for  any 
one  convicted  of  defacing  or  defiling  the  constructions,  the  money  to 
help  pay  the  debt  incurred  in  the  erection  of  Croton  Aqueduct. 

ASTOR    PLACE. 

In  1868  drawings  were  made  for  two  public  comfort  stations,  one 
at  Astor  Place,  and  the  other  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Park 
Row,  but  as  the  appropriation  was  insuflficient  for  both,  only  the  first 
was  proceeded  with.  This  convenience  for  both  men  and  women 
was  opened  for  use  in  May,  1869.  From  its  first  opening  it  showed 
the  imperious  necessity  for  some  such  provision.  In  June  986  men 
visited  it  during  the  thirteen  hours  it  was  open  on  a  single  day.  In 
August  the  men's  division  was  enlarged  by  moving  the  partition 
toward  the  women's  part,  but  without  reducing  the  closet  accom- 
modation of  the  latter.  With  this  enlargement  the  male  frecjuent- 
ers  continued  to  increase,  so  that  at  least  300,000  made  use  of  the 
convenience  up  to  the  close  of  1869.  The  greatest  number  of  women 
using  their  division  was  twenty-five  in  a  single  day.  The  engineer  of 
the  Metropolitan  Board  of  Health  reported:  "  Of  the  necessities  of 
such  edifices  both  for  men  and  women  there  can  be  no  doubt,  and  of 
the  appropriateness  of  this  locality  for  one.  But,  as  one  where  there 
should  be  many,  it  undertakes  tlie  relief  of  too  large  a  population  and 


J  7(1  MaVOU'S    Co.MMri'TKK    ON    VVUIAC    1'ATHS. 

district,  and  is  too  small.  The  attempt  to  keep  the  men's  division 
clean  by  the  once-a-day  supervision  of  a  woman,  and  by  structural 
means  guard  against  misuse,  and  the  closing  of  the  building  evenings, 
have  been  mistakes.  In  the  opinion  of  your  Engineer,  it  has  been 
clearly  proved,  by  the  experience  of  the  urinals  in  Astor  Place  and 
City  Hall  I'ark,  that  these  indispensable  structures  should  have  some 
competent  person  in  charge  while  they  are  in  use,  as  at  our  frequented 
hotels;  that  these  accommodations  should  be  of  the  best  character, 
tending  rather  to  bring  up  the  sense  of  decency  in  the  users  than 
degrade  it.  in  an  educational  point  of  view  well-kept  public  urinals 
may  serve  as  powerful  assistants  to  the  Board  of  Health,  as  examples 
of  what  can  be  done  to  render  such  structures  comfortable  and  in- 
otifensive;  they  will  introduce  among  our  lowest  classes  habits  of 
cleanliness  and  self-respect  that  will  improve  the  condition  of  our 
tenement  houses." 

CITY    PARKS. 

In  1870  the  convenience  in  Astor  Place  was  remodeled  and  placed 
under  the  care  of  a  keeper.  The  Department  of  Parks  during  the 
year  erected  urinals  in  the  city  parks.  The  Board  of  Piealth  thought 
that  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  public  demanded  that  the  number 
should  be  largely  increased,  that  they  should  be  erected  in  all  parts 
of  the  city,  and  be  constructed  for  the  accommodation  of  women 
and  children  as  well  as  men.  They  believed  there  was  no  doubt  as 
to  the  propriety  of  erecting  water-closets  and  urinals  and  the  only 
question  was,  where,  and  in  what  manner  they  should  be  erected  and 
constructed.  It  was  suggested  that  there  was  a  special  need  for  these 
conveniences  along  the  river  fronts,  and  that  the  matter  should  be 
laid  before  the  Department  of  Docks. 

In  1872  the  convenience  at  Astor  Place  was  transferred  to  the 
care  of  the  Department  of  Public  Works.  Subsequently  it  was  found 
to  occupy  too  public  a  place;  it  fell  into  disuse  and  was  removed. 

In  1882  an  act  was  passed  which  consolidated  into  one  act  the 
special  and  local  laws  affecting  New  York  City;  Section  347  of  this 
act  repeated  the  main  part  of  the  act  of  1867  previously  mentioned, 
but  the  powers  there  bestowed  on  the  Croton  Aqueduct  Department 
were  transferred  to  the  Conmiissioner  of  Public  Works. 


^^'^-^-^ 


^'VERs 


ri^ 


OF 


ITY 


'4kiORMh. 


riuMc  CoMioitr  Stations.  177 

IIIM.     I'Olt     >ll':\      VM>     UO^II'.N. 

In  1894  the  City  \'ii;ilancc  Lcag:uc  drew  up  iIk-  following-  peti- 
tion, which  was  extensively  signed: 

"  To  the  Legislature  and  Govenior  of  the  State  of  Nezo  York: 

"  We,  the  undersigned,  residents  and  citizens  of  the  State  and 
City  of  New  York,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  this  city  is  almost  entirely 
without  public  water-closets  and  lavatories,  and  that  this  state  of 
affairs  is  a  menace  to  public  health,  as  well  as  an  offense  to  delicacy 
and  modesty,  and  that  we  regard  a  sufficiency  of  these  as  absolutely 
necessary,  do  hereby  petition  the  State  authorities  to  grant  power 
to  the  government  of  the  City  of  New  York: 

"  To  construct  public  water-closets  and  urinals  in  all  the  squares 
and  parks,  and  in  the  tenement-house  districts  at  every  fourth  street." 

A  bill  was  introduced  in  the  State  Legislature  in  1895  making 
it  mandatory  on  every  city  or  incorporated  village  with  four  thou- 
sand or  more  inhabitants  to  erect  in  convenient  public  places  suit- 
able structures,  each  containing  not  less  than  two  public  urinals 
and  one  public  closet,  so  that  there  should  be  in  each  city  two  such 
structures  for  each  thirty  thousand  inhabitants  thereof,  and  in  each 
such  village  two  such  structures,  and  the  number  of  structures  for 
men  and  women  were  to  be  equal.  The  local  board  of  health  was  to 
take  charge  of  these  conveniences,  which  were  to  be  free,  and  main- 
tained at  the  expense  of  the  city  or  village.     This  bill  failed  to  pass. 

With  the  exception  of  the  provisions  made  by  the  Department  of 
Public  Parks,  there  are  no  water-closets  or  urinals  provided  by  the 
city.  What  are  the  accommodations  in  the  parks  at  present?  In  re- 
sponse to  this  inquiry,  the  Secretary  of  the  Department  sent  the 
following  communication : 

City  of  New  York, 
Department  of  Public  Parks, 
49  AND  51  Chambers  Street,  January  21,  1895. 

W.  H.  ToLMAN,  Esq.,  Secretary,  etc.: 

Dear  Sir. —  I  beg  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  communi- 
cation of  the  i6th  inst.,  and  in  reply  thereto,  I  submit  herewith  a  list 
12 


ITS 


Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 


of  the  public  urinals  and  water-closets  provided  by  the  city  in  the 
parks : 


Men's 
cottages. 

Women's 
collages. 

Urinals. 

Ccutral  Park 

11 

i 

7 
2 

8 
2 

1 
3 
1 

2 

Iliverside  Park 

Mount  Morris  Park 

Citv  Parks 

16 

East  River  Park 

Total 

21 

15 

18 

The  cottages  specified  above  afiford  accommodations  to  from 
four  to  eight  persons,  the  urinals  from  two  to  eight  persons.  In  the 
new  parks  north  of  the  Harlem  river,  the  only  accommodations  of  the 
nature  referred  to  are  in  the  buildings  on  the  parks,  no  cottages  or 
urinals  having  been  especially  erected  for  the  purpose.  Should  you 
desire  a  list  of  the  buildings  in  the  new  parks  open  for  this  purpose, 
the  same  will  be  furnished  with  pleasure. 

Very  respectfully, 
(Signed)     CHARLES  DeF.  BURNS, 

Secretary,  D.  P.  P. 

There  was  no  improvement  in  these  conditions  during  the  six- 
teen months  following,  as  will  be  seen  by  a  letter  of  more  recent  date: 

City  of  New  York, 

Department  of  Public  Parks, 

The  Arsenal,  Central  Park,  May  2,  1896. 

Mr.   William   II.  Tolman,  Secretary,  Mayor's  Ccviiinittee,  Public 
Baths,  etc.,  105  East  Tzveiity-sccond  Street,  A'czv  York  City: 

Dear  Sir. —  Replying  to  the  inquiry  contained  in  your  favor  of 
the  1st  inst.,  I  beg  to  advise  you  that  the  conditions  of  January  21, 
1895,  with  regard  to  park  urinals  and  accommodations  are  practically 
unchanged  at  this  date. 

Very  respectfully, 

(Signed)     WILLIAM  LEARY, 
[  Secretary. 


Public  Comfort  Stations.  17!) 

Accompanying  this  letter  we  submit  a  summary  of  the  city  parks 
and  their  area  in  acres: 

City  parks  Area  Jn  acres. 

Abiugdon   square -202 

Hatfery    21.190 

Boach  stroo-t ■. .038 

Bowling  Greeu   . 517 

Bryant  4.775 

Boston  road,  One  Hundred  and  Sixty-fourth  street .060 

Boston  road,  One  Hundred  and  Sixty-ninth  street .160 

Central  839.921 

Canal  street  .318 

Christopher  street .  139 

City   Hall    8.239 

Cooper  Union .  239 

Cedar   17.470 

Duane  street  .  108 

East  river 12.546 

Five  Points   .  114 

Fourth  avenue    5 .  630 

Fulton  avenue  and  One  Hundred  and  Sixty-seventh  street .200 

I'ulton  avenue  and  One  Hundred  and  Seventieth  street .950 

<iraud  street —  .  .630 

High  Bridge    23.380 

Jackson  square  .  227 

Jeanette  Park  .870 

Manhattan  square  19.051 

Madison  square   6.840 

iNIorningside   31.238 

IMount  Morris 20 .  174 

Park  avenue,  Thirty-fourth  street  to  Fortieth  street 1.168 

liiverside  Park  and  drive 177.800 

Kutgers    .482 

Stuyvesaut  square 4.229 

Tniiiu  square 3.483 

"Washington  square  8.115 

Corlears  Hook  8.300 

St.  John 1.700 

Tompkins  square  10.508 

TRIANGLES. 

Boulevard  and  Sixty-third  street .344 

BfHilovard  and  Sixty-sixth  street .069 

Manhattan  avenue  and  One  Hundred  and  Fourteenth  street.. .  .018 

Sixth  avenue,  Thirtj'-second  and  Thirty-fifth  streets .186 

St.  Nicholas  avenue,  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-third  street. ..  .  .072 

St.  Nicholas  avenue.  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-seventh  street. .  .038 

St.  Nicholas  avenue.  One  Hundred  and  Fiftieth  street .240 


ISO  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

SUMMARY. 

Central  Park   839 .921 

City  parks 391 .090 

Triangles .  9t'i7 

Total  (exclusive  of  new  parks) 1,231.978 

NEW  PARKS. 

Van  Cortlandt  1, 132.3.J 

Bronx  661 .  60 

Pelbam  Bay 1, 756 . 

Bronx  and  Pelham  Parkway 95 . 

Mosholu ■     80. 

Crotoua    141.65 

Claremont  38.05 

St.  Mary's 28.70 

Croton  Parkway  12. 

Total  (new  parks) 3,945.35 

PL'BLIC    SERVANTS. 

It  is  clearly  evident  how  inadequate  are  the  municipal  provisions 
for  these  public  conveniences,  particularly  in  the  tenement-house 
districts  where  there  is  a  congested  population.  With  such  ridicu- 
lously inadequate  municipal  provision  for  the  public  comfort,  the  case 
of  the  public  servants  who  are  letter  carriers,  street  cleaners,  and 
policemen,  is  particularly  distressing  inasmuch  as  the  law  forbids  the 
last  two  classes  to  enter  a  saloon  while  on  duty.  There  are  practically 
no  public  water-closets  or  urinals  for  the  policemen  and  the  street 
sweepers,  and  the  only  semi-public  conveniences  are  those  of  the 
saloons.  That  the  above  reasons  are  cogent  for  a  system  of  public 
comfort  stations,  is  proved  again  by  these  two  communications: 

legitimate  excuse. 

Police  Department,  President's  Office, 
City  of  New  York, 

New  York,  May  15,  1895. 

My  P'ear  Sir. —  I  am  so  pressed  for  time  that  I  have  not  had 
time  to  examine  your  preliminary  report  as  carefully  as  I  would; 
but  in  its  essentials  I  am  heartily  in  accord  with  it.  You  bring  out 
admirably  the  effect  that  the  present  system  has  in  helping  out  the 
saloons.     One  great  trouble  we  have  in  trying  our  policemen  for 


Public  Comfort  Stations.  181 

jjoing  into  saloons  in  uniform  is  tlmt  tlicy  can  now  plead  a  legitimate 
excuse  for  the  very  reason  you  emphasize. 

Sincerely  yours, 
(Signed)     THEODORE  ROOSEVELT. 

source:  of  injury. 

Commissioner's  Office, 
Police  Department  of  the  City  of  New  York, 
300  Mulberry  Street, 

New  York,  May  21,  1895. 

William  IT.  Tolman,   Esq.,   No.  427   West  Fifty-seventh  Street, 
A^czv  York: 

]\Iy  Dear  Sir. —  I  beg  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  yours  of  the 
14th  inst.,  enclosing  a  preliminary  report  of  the  Sub-Committee  of 
Seventy,  upon  Baths  and  Lavatories. 

I  have  not  had  an  opportunity,  on  account  of  a  press  of  work, 
to  carefully  examine  your  report,  but  I  most  unhesitatingly  and 
heartily  endorse  the  work  in  which  you  are  so  much  interested.  I 
say  this,  not  only  as  a  citizen  of  New  York,  but  more  particularly 
on  account  of  my  connection  with  the  Police  Department.  The 
want  of  public  lavatories  in  the  City  of  New  York  is  a  source  of 
very  great  injury  to  the  efficiency  of  the  Police  Department.  Offi- 
cers are  compelled  to  leave  their  posts  of  duty,  and  invariably  prolong 
their  absence  to  an  undue  extent.  Furthermore,  whenever  they  are 
reported  for  absence  from  post,  the  almost  invariable  excuse  is  that 
of  necessity,  caused  by  an  absence  of  lavatories. 

The  excuse,  although  hackneyed  and  many  times  false,  is  a  diffi- 
cult one  to  disprove.  I  can,  therefore,  briefly  and  most  heartily  state 
that  a  development  of  the  system  which  you  propose,  would  result 
in  the  greatest  good  to  the  Police  Department,  and  consequently  to 
the  welfare  of  the  city. 

Wishing  you  every  success  in  the  work  which  you  have  under- 
taken, I  am. 

Yours  very  sincerely, 

(Signed)     A.  D.  ANDREWS, 

Police  Commissioner. 


182  Mayor's  Committee  on  PfnLic  Baths. 

KIOSKS. 

In  the  early  part  of  February,  1896,  a  bill  was  introduced  into 
both  Senate  and  Assembly  giving  a  monopoly  of  public  lavatory  ser- 
vice to  Alexander  De  Fossez,  and  those  who  were  or  might  hereafter 
be  associated  with  him.  They  were  authorized  to  erect  and  operate 
"  structures  for  public  lavatories  and  urinals  at  convenient  points  in, 
upon  and  along  the  streets,  avenues,  roads,  parks  and  public  places 
in  cities  and  towns  of  the  State  and  to  exhibit  advertisements  and 
signs  thereon."  Five  cents  was  to  be  the  maximum  charge  for  lava- 
tory accommodation,  and  for  this  soap,  towels,  etc.,  were  to  be  sup- 
plied. The  corporation  proposed  to  pay  over  to  the  city  i  per  cent, 
of  its  gross  receipts  for  the  first  five  years  and  afterward  2  per  cent., 
the  franchise  and  all  structures  erected  under  it  reverting  to  the  city 
at  the  end  of  thirty  years.  By  subsequent  amendment,  the  interior 
of  the  kiosks  might  be  used  by  the  city  departments  for  telephone, 
police,  fire  and  ambulance  calls,  post-offices  and  express  boxes,  and 
such  kiosks  as  were  not  required  by  the  respective  cities  might  be 
used  by  the  company  for  the  sale  of  necessary  or  convenient  articles. 
The  limitation  of  the  franchise  to  thirty  years  was  removed  in  this 
amended  bill. 

home;  rule. 

The  scheme  aroused  much  opposition.  It  was  objected  that  it 
would  mean  the  practical  surrender,  at  a  nominal  rental,  of  the  streets, 
avenues,  parks  and  public  places  in  every  city  and  town  of  the  entire 
State  where  the  kiosks  would  be  erected,  for  advertising  purposes, 
to  a  company  that  ought  to  pay  liberally  for  this  privilege,  if  it  were 
ever  considered  wise  to  disfigure  the  streets  and  parks  in  the  manner 
proposed.  Home  rule  was  subverted  to  this  advertising  monopoly. 
Fortunately  the  opposition  was  alert  and  watchful  and  succeeded  in 
defeating  the  project. 

A  law  which  was  passed  May  19,  1896,  amended  the  powers  of 
the  Board  of  Aldermen,  giving  them  permission  "  to  grant  permits 
for  the  erection  of  booths  and  stands  within  stoop  lines,  the  owner  or 
owners  of  said  premises  consenting  thereto,  for  use  by  bootblacks, 
for  the  sale  of  newspapers,  periodicals,  fruits  and  soda  water  only, 
and  also  to  grant  permits  for  the  erection  of  booths  and  stantis  in  or 


Piiu-rc  (''(t.Mi'oirr  Stations.  183 

on  the  space  immediately  uiuk'nieatli  the  steps  or  stairs  leading  to 
and  from  the  elevated  railroad  stations,  and  within  the  curb  line,  for 
the  sale  of  newspapers  and  periodicals." 

FKHI;:    ICE    WATER. 

Under  tliis  law  a  resolution  was  introduced  by  Alderman  Noonan 
giving  to  "A.  B.  &  C."  the  right  to  erect  and  maintain  for  twenty 
years  advertising  booths  or  news  stands  under  all  the  "  L  "  stairs. 
The  company  was  to  furnish  free  ice  water  and  a  free  lavatory,  the 
city  supplying  the  water,  the  Aldermen  naming  a  newsdealer  to  oc- 
cupy the  stand  rent  free,  he  to  keep  the  booth  clean  and  pay  for 
lighting,  the  city  to  have  police,  fire  and  ambulance  calls  and  space 
for  a  city  director}',  and  the  company  to  pay  to  the  city  5  per  cent,  of 
its  net  profits  from  advertising. 

This  was  denounced  as  a  revival  of  the  De  Fossez  bill,  while  one 
Alderman  stated  that  he  was  authorized  to  oflfer  20  per  cent,  of  the 
gross  receipts  by  responsible  parties.  The  resolution  failed  to  get 
through  the  committee. 

I^AVATORIES  — PLINTH    AND    DADO. 

In  England  it  has  long  been  the  custom  to  provide  public  urinals. 
Of  late  years  there  has  been  a  revolt  against  the  disfigurement  caused 
by  these  places  to  the  public  streets,  and  many  cities  are  now  building 
underground  conveniences,  usually  furnishing  better  accommoda- 
tion. A  fee  of  2d.  is  charged  for  the  use  of  towels  and  soap  with 
hot  water  in  the  lavatory,  and  id.  for  the  use  of  the  water-closets. 
There  are  often  one  or  more  free  seats  in  both  men's  and  women's 
departments,  and  the  urinals  are  always  free.  In  London  the  en- 
trance is  usually  in  the  center  of  a  street,  and  the  narrow  strip  of 
sidewalk  around  it  serves  as  one  of  the  refuges  so  numerous  in 
crowded  public  streets.  The  Islington  Vestry  has  recently  erected 
two  underground  conveniences,  and  two  others  are  in  course  of 
erection.  Of  these  latter,  one  is  for  women.  It  will  contain  seven 
water-closets  and  a  lavatory,  and  is  situated  near  the  first  one  opened 
for  men.  The  other  is  for  both  sexes,  and  will  contain  seven  water- 
closets  and  lavatory  for  men,  and  four  water-closets  and  lavatory  for 
women.    The  first  convenience  for  men  only  was  opened  on  Decern- 


1S4  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

ber  3,  1894,  and  cost  £1,598  7s.  6(1.  It  is  situated  under  the  carriage- 
way of  tlie  High  street,  and  comprises  entrance  and  exit  staircases 
enclosed  by  wrought-iron  railings,  six  water-closets,  twelve  urinals, 
lavatory  with  three  basins,  attendant's  room  and  two  storerooms. 
The  roof  is  formed  of  pavement  lights  supported  on  steel  joists  and  is 
laid  out  as  a  refuge.  The  brickwork  has  been  built  in  Portland 
cement.  The  interior  is  faced  w  ith  white  glazed  bricks,  with  a  plinth 
and  dado  of  blue  glazed  bricks,  the  whole  being  laid  with  very  fine 
joints.  To  prevent  the  soaking  of  water  into  the  brickwork,  a  hori- 
zontal damp  course  has  been  laid  in  all  walls  at  the  floor  level,  the 
back  of  the  exterior  walls  has  been  twice  coated  with  a  boiling  mix- 
ture of  tar  and  pitch,  and  a  backing  of  dry  rubble  has  Deen  put 
around  the  walls,  and  drains  formed  of  channel  pipes  laid  so  as  to 
discharge  subsoil  water  through  weep  holes  in  the  exterior  walls  into 
gullies  inside  the  convenience.  The  drains  are  formed  of  glazed 
stoneware  socketed  pipes,  jointed  with  cement  and  made  watertight. 
They  are  ventilated  into  brick  chambers  in  the  carriageway,  the 
chambers  also  acting  as  surface  water  gullies.  The  floors  are  laid 
with  vitreous  tiles.  Cast-iron  gratings  and  a  central  lamp  column  on 
the  refuge  have  been  provided  for  the  ventilation  of  the  convenience. 
Gas  jets  fixed  over  the  doors  of  the  water-closets  light  the  convenience 
at  niglit,  and  the  products  of  combustion  are  collected  by  hoods 
placed  above  the  jets,  and  conveyed  by  tubes  discharging  under  the 
ventilating  gratings  on  the  refuge. 

The  second  convenience,  for  both  men  and  women,  was  opened 
a  week  later  and  cost  £2,542  9s.  4d.  The  Vestry  met  with  consider- 
able difficulties  in  the  site.  The  Public  Health  (London)  Act,  1891, 
which  vests  the  ground  under  the  carriageway  of  a  road  in  the  Local 
Authority  for  the  purpose  of  constructing  public  conveniences,  does 
not  give  the  same  right  to  the  ground  under  the  sidewalk.  The 
center  of  the  road  was  occupied  by  a  double  line  of  street  cars,  and 
large  water  mains  were  directly  imderneath.  The  owner  of  the 
property  would  not  permit  the  use  of  the  sidewalk  for  the  construction 
of  staircases  t):ough  he  permitted  the  construction  of  areas  under 
part  of  it,  and  the  staircases  were  built  in  the  street,  though  it  was 
only  possible  to  construct  one  entrance  and  exit  for  the  two  con- 


Public  Comfort  Stations.  ,  185 

vcnicnccs.  The  men's  convenience  conii)rises  twelve  urinals,  five 
water-closets  ami  two  lavatories;  the  women's,  four  water-closets 
(one  free)  and  a  lavatory  with  two  basins.  There  is  an  attendant's 
room  and  a  store  room  under  the  staircase  in  each  convenience.  The 
main  wall  next  the  center  of  the  road  runs  for  its  entire  lenp^th  along- 
side a  water  main  three  feet  in  diameter.  In  order  to  avoid  disturb- 
ing^ the  water  main,  shafts  have  l)een  sunk  on  one  side  and  headings 
driven  under  it  near  each  of  the  sockets.  Each  heading  w^as  taken 
down  to  the  level  of  the  foundations  of  the  main  wall,  a  pier  of  cement 
concrete  was  then  put  in  the  heading  and  carried  half  way  up  the 
water  main,  and  as  soon  as  the  concrete  was  set,  the  excavation  for 
and  the  building  of  the  main  wall  referred  to  were  proceeded  with, 
the  three-feet  water  main  being  securely  supported  by  the  concrete 
piers. 

The  interior  work  is  similar  to  that  in  the  first-mentioned  con- 
venience. As  the  sewer  into  wdiich  the  conveniences  are  drained  is 
shallow  and  is  also  subject  to  flooding  during  heavy  rainfalls,  arrange- 
ments have  had  to  be  made  for  the  prevention  of  the  flooding  of  the 
convenience  when  the  sewer  is  overfull.  The  drain  will  then  be  shut 
off  from  the  sewer  by  a  valve  placed  in  a  manhole  immediately  outside 
the  convenience,  worked  from  the  inside  of  the  men's  convenience. 
In  order  to  provide  for  draining  of  the  convenience  when  the  sew^er 
is  flooded,  a  tank  has  been  constructed  under  the  floor  of  the  men's 
convenience.  An  automatic  alarm  worked  by  the  water  rising  in  the 
manhole  indicates  when  the  valve  must  be  closed  to  prevent  the  flood- 
ing of  the  convenience  by  the  water  from  the  sewer,  and  also,  as  the 
water  subsides,  when  the  valve  may  be  opened  again.  Cast-iron 
gratings  have  been  fixed  in  the  risers  of  the  stairs  and  openings 
formed  in  the  rear  walls  of  the  water-closets  so  that  a  current  of  air 
may  pass  through  the  convenience  to  the  "  Blackman  "  exhaust  fans, 
which  are  worked  by  the  pressure  of  water  from  the  street  main,  the 
water  being  afterwards  used  for  flushing  the  urinals  and  the  drains. 
The  roof  of  the  convenience  is  formed  of  steel  troughing  carried  by 
built  girders  of  wrought  iron.  The  troughing  is  covered  with  cement 
which  forms  the  foundation  of  the  roadway  above. 

For  three  months  to  the  end  of  the  financial  year,  the  receipts 
at  both  these  conveniences  were  extremely  satisfactory,  and  more 
than  met  the  w-orking  expenses. 


186.  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Pl-rlic  Baths. 

'      HIGH  STREET  CONVENIENCE. 

Receipts.  £     s.  d. 

7S2  tickets  for  lavatoiy  at  2(1 G  10  4 

21.GTS  tickets  for  use  of  water-closet  at  Id 90     6  6 

Total  96  16  10 

Payments.  £    s.  d. 

Wages 42    4  2 

Uniforms 2  11  10 

Tickets  and  ticket  holders 7     2  0 

Brooms  and  brushes «!     5  11 

Chandlery  1     4     (> 

Washing  towels   1  13  4 

Gas   1     2  3 

Water 1     .5  3 

Miscellaneous   1     3     9 

Total 64  13  4 

Suiplus 32    3  6 

96  16  10 

£     s.  d. 

Interest  on  loan.  June  12.  1893,  to  March  31,  1805 09     9     4 

Principal  repaid  44    0  0 

Total 113     9  4 

TARKHURST  ROAD  CONVENIENCE. 

Receipts. 

Men:  f     s.  d. 

366  tickets  for  lavatory  at  2d 3     1  0 

13, 108  tickets  for  water-closet  at  Id 54  12  4 

Women : 

44  tickets  for  lavatory  at  2d 0     7  4 

5, 278  tickets  for  water-closet  at  Id 21  19  10 

Total 80     0  6 

Deficit 25     1  1 

105     1  7 


Expenses.  £    s.  d. 

Wages  of  attendants  (men's) 44    3  7 

Wages  of  attendants  (women's) 28    8  7 

Uniforms  2  11  10 

Tickets  and  ticket  holders 10  12  8 

Brooms  and  brushes >  11  10  1 

Chandlery   1     1  f> 


Pi:blic  CoMFoitP  S'lA  ri(»Ns.  isT 

£  s.    .1. 

Washing  towels 1  *>    •> 

(Jaslittinc:    1  ^'■'     <> 

(Jrts   1  ^     '•) 

Water 1  ">  10 

Mi?ceU;  ni^-ius I  H     3 

Total 105  1     7 

Inleri  st  on  loans 19  2    1 


For  the  first  convenience  a  loan  of  £1,300  was  obtained  from 
the  London  County  Council  at  3.^  per  cent. ;  for  the  second  a  loan  of 
£2.400.  Both  conveniences  were  designed  In-  the  Chief  Surveyor  of 
the  Vestry. 

Besides  these  conveniences  Islington  has  forty-two  public  urinals 

with  188  compartments,  all  free.    In  the  year  ending  March  31,  1895, 

the  cost  was  as  follows: 

£    s.   d. 

Masons  and  paviors'  work 2-")     2  2 

Paintinjr  and  repairs  and  provision  of  automatic  tlushlu^  appar- 
atus throughout  Parish 160     0  0 

Water  for  flushing 184     1  3 

Smiths'  work  and  repairs 9  17  2 

Plates  and  sinks 4     9  3 

Notice  tablets 9  17  4 

Acknowledgment  for  sit  es 0  12  0 

Total. 393  19     2 


The  conveniences  and  urinals  are  managed  by  ih.e  Works  Com- 
mittee of  the  Vestry,  the  Finance  Department  checking  the  receipts. 

The  Parish  of  Chelsea,  London,  with  less  than  100,000  inhabit- 
ants, contains  seventeen  urinals  and  two  underground  conveniences. 
The  cost  of  maintaining  the  former  during  the  financial  year  1893-4 
was  £1,579  los.  lod.,  and  in  1894-5,  £934  lis.  4d.  This  included 
thorough  repairs  to  one  urinal,  while  another  was  removed  and  re- 
constructed on  a  new  site.  Patent  automatic  flushing  tanks  had  been 
fitted  to  all  these  conveniences  and  were  reported  to  be  working  well, 
and  using  less  water  with  equal  efftciency.  The  second  latrine  was 
designed  and  built  by  the  men  in  the  direct  employ  of  the  Vestry  at 
a  cost  of  £625.  The  receipts  and  expenses  for  these  underground 
conveniences  were  as  follows: 


1S8 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


Sloane  Square. 

World's  End. 

No.  using. 

Receipts. 

Working 
expenses. 

No.  using. 

Receipts. 

1893-4  

58,709 
62,200 

£262   13  2 
267  12  7 

£262  7  10 
272  0    1 

1,750 
18,635 

£7     9  1 

1894-5 

78  18  1 

The  figures  given  for  1893-4  at  the  World's  End  convenience 
are  from  date  of  opening,  February  5,  to  March  25,  1894. 

St.  George,  Hanover  Square,  has  a  population  about  equal  to 
that  of  Chelsea,  and  has  now  three  latrines,  a  fourth  being  in  course 
of  construction. 

Some  idea  of  the  accommodation  provided  may  be  gathered 
from  the  following: 


Date 

of 
open- 

Cost. 

Accommodations. 

Men. 

Women. 

No. 

01 

ing. 

a   . 

t.  » 

an 

a 

Water 
closets. 

Lavatories. 

at 
^•5 

Lavatories. 

D 

^ 

£      8.  d. 

1 

1891 

1,434    2  8 

13 

5 

1 

2 

1893 

7,378  15  8 

72 

24  paid  aud 
2  free. 

2  with  6 
basins  each. 

2 

8 

1  with  two  basins 
and    two    ])rivate 
with     basiu     aud 
walor-closet. 

3 

1894 

995  10  6 

14 

6 

3 

4 

2 

4 

6,473    0  0 

32 

12 

6 

12 

4 

marull:  arch  convemence. 

The  cost  of  the  first  convenience  includes  outlay  for  an  orna- 
mental cast-iron  clock  tower  with  clock  and  four  dials.  The  second 
and  largest  is  built  on  a  site  at  the  Marble  Arch  granted  by  the  Gov- 
ernment (Jfiice  of  Works.  It  is  built  underground  of  brickwork  faced 
inside  with  ivory-white  glazed  bricks.  It  is  surrounded  above  the 
ground  level  by  a  handsome  balustrade  of  solid  Portland  stone. 
There  are  four  entrances,  two  from  the  road  and  two  from  Hyde 


Public  Comfort  Stations.  l><i) 

Park,  each  five  feet  wide  and  fitted  with  i'xjstwick's  patent  iron 
collapsible  trellis  gates.  The  water-closets  arc  of  the  pedestal  pattern, 
fitted  with  mahogany  seats  and  flushing  tanks,  etc.  The  urinals  are 
semi-circular  fire-clay  backs,  in  white  enamel  with  polished  Rouge 
Royal  Marble  divisions.  The  lavatories  are  also  fitted  with  polished 
marble  tops,  and  are  supplied  with  hot  and  cold  water.  The  usual 
charges  are  made.  The  women's  department  is  entirely  above 
ground,  and  is  similar  in  character  to  the  lodges  in  the  parks.  It  is 
a  substantial  structure  of  Grecian  design,  built  of  brickwork  faced  on 
the  outside  with  solid  Portland  stone,  and  on  the  inside  with 
ivory-white  glazed  bricks.  For  the  use  of  a  private  lavatory,  con- 
taining washbasin  and  water-closet,  a  special  charge  of  4d.  is  made. 
The  fittings  are  similar  to  those  in  the  men's  department,  the  floor 
being  laid  with  l)lack  and  white  encaustic  tiles.  There  are  two 
entrances,  one  in  the  park.  The  drainage  was  designed  in  accordance 
with  the  most  approved  principles  of  sanitation,  and  the  sanitary 
appliances  and  fittings  are  of  the  most  modern  description.  Both 
departments  have  good  light  and  ventilation,  and  are  lighted  by 
electricity.  The  doors  of  the  w^ater-closets  have  patent  automatic 
"  penny-in-the-slot  "  locks.  The  men's  department  is  open  from 
7  a.  m.  to  12.30  a.  m.,  and  the  women's  from  8  a.  m.  till  midnight  week 
days;  on  Sundays  both  are  open  from  9  a.  m.  to  1 1  p.  m. 

The  Board  of  Works  for  the  St.  Giles  District,  which  has  a  popu- 
lation of  about  50,000,  has  recently  erected  two  latrines.  The  first, 
on  Shaftesbury  avenue,  was  opened  in  1892,  and  the  cost  in  the 
financial  year  1892-3  for  building  and  maintenance  was  £1,002  7s.  8d. ; 
the  receipts  for  the  same  period  were  £267  8s.  2d.  For  the  year  end- 
ing 1893-4,  the  receipts  were  £327  3s.  3d.;  expenses  as  follows: 

£  s.  d. 

Wages  of  attendant 223  12  0 

Repairs 42  10  8 

Water  supply 15  14  0 

Lig-hting 34  17  <J 

Disinfectants   29  11  7 

Attendants'  uniforms,  washing  towels,  soap,  clinndlcry,  etc (m  (>  in 

Tot<aI 411  12     7 

Repayment  of  loan ISO    0    0 

Interest  on  loan 55    3     2 

Total 646  15     0 


190  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

The  latrine  for  men  and  women  at  the  junction  of  New  Oxford 
street  and  Charing  Cross  Road  was  opened  September  29,  1895,  at 
a  cost  of  about  £2,500,  and  has  proved  a  great  success.  There  are 
fourteen  urinals,  twelve  water-closets  and  three  lavatories  for  men, 
and  six  water-closets  and  three  lavatories  for  women.  All  the  urinals 
and  one  of  the  women's  water-closets  are  free ;  the  usual  charges  are 
made  for  other  accommodation,  and  it  is  estimated  that  the  receipts 
will  amount  to  about  £1,000.  The  latrine  has  a  superficial  area  of 
1,500  feet,  and  is  situated  at  a  depth  of  fourteen  feet  below  the  level 
of  the  roadway.  The  women's  department  is  approached  by  a  stair- 
way leading  from  the  sidewalk.  The  internal  fittings  are  of  the  most 
modern  description.  The  water-closets  are  Jennings'  syphonic  dis- 
charge apparatus,  and  the  urinals  of  the  radial  basin  stall  pattern. 
The  convenience  is  ventilated  by  Blackman's  air  propeller,  worked  by 
water  power,  the  waste  water  being  used  for  flushing.  The  ventilator 
is  placed  beneath  a  refuge  in  the  center  of  the  roadway.  On  each 
refuge  there  is  an  ornamental  ventilating  lamp  column.  The  roof 
of  the  latrine  is  of  rolled-steel  girders  and  trough  plates;  the  stair- 
cases are  formed  of  iron  framing  with  patent  reversible  treads.  Be- 
side the  latrines  the  Board  of  Works  maintains  fourteen  urinals  with 
fifty-one  stalls,  the  number  of  stalls  varying  from  one  to  six.  Only 
two  of  these,  with  four  compartments,  are  without  an  automatic  water 
supply.  The  whole  of  them  were  repainted  during  the  year  at  a  cost 
of  £25. 

The  Parish  of  St.  Martin-in-the-Fields  maintains  a  latrine  at 
Charing  Cross,  which  is  kept  open  from  7  a.  m.  to  midnight  on  week 
days,  and  until  11  p.  m.  on  Sundays.  In  winter  the  women's  depart- 
ment is  opened  at  8  a.  m.  Besides  this,  the  Vestry  maintams  nine 
urinals  with  thirty-one  compartments.  Of  these,  six  are  of  slate,  two 
of  iron  and  one  of  brick  and  slate.  The  receipts  and  payments  for 
1893-4  were  as  follows: 

RECEIPTS.  f     s.    d. 

lU'bato  on  electric  current 1  13  10 

Payments  for  use  of  lavatories,  etc 71U    9    9 


Total T'JG    3 


Public  Comkoki'  Siations, 


191 


PAYMENTS.  £     6.    d. 

Contract    '. 312     3  11 

Electric  light 08  17     9 

■Water  210     2     1 

Coiuleusers  11  14    4 

La  w  costs 13  11     0 

Gas   12  13     2 

Kepairs    303  18  11 

rainting  lu'iuals 58    7     1 

I'aper,  name  plates,  uniforms,  etc 20  17     7 

AVages  and  washing  towels.  Charing  Cross  lavatory 296  16    6 

Wages,  cleansing  urinals,  etc 67  13  10 

Oilman's  goods 17  17     7 

iSuudries    34  15     8 

Total '- 1.419     9     5 


Of  this,  £271  13s.  lod.  was  spent  on  the  maintenance  and  repairs 
of  the  urinals,  which  are  free. 

Shoreditch  opened  an  underground  sanitary  convenience  and 
lavatory  for  both  sexes  in  October,  1895,  at  a  total  cost  of  about 
£1,800,  towards  which  a  street  railway  corporation  contributed  £600. 
The  convenience  is  sixty  feet  by  fifteen  feet,  and  its  floor  is  about  ten 
feet  below  the  surface  of  the  roadway.  There  are  twelve  urinals,  six 
water-closets  and  three  lavatories  for  men,  and  three  water-closets 
and  one  lavatory  for  women.  The  convenience  was  constructed  by 
the  same  contractor  as  the  new  convenience  in  the  St.  Giles  district, 
and  its  fittings  are  very  similar. 

The  Strand  District  Board  of  Works  maintains  two  latrines, 
the  accommodation  being  as  follows : 


Cost. 

Accommodation. 

LATRINE. 

Men. 

Women . 

Urinals. 

AVater 
closets. 

Lava- 
tories. 

Water 

closets. 

Lava- 
tories. 

Wellington  Street 

Law  courts 

£1,860 
2,474 

18 
20 

10 
12 

4 
5 

4 

4 

2 
2 

192 


Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 


In  addition  to  tliesc  latrines  maintained  by  the  local  authority 
there  are  six  free  and  ten  other  latrines  for  which  a  charge  of  id.  is 
made  in  Covent  Garden  Market. 

The  accommodations  outside  of  London  are  not  so  adequate, 
though  the  large  cities  are  rapidly  taking  the  matter  up. 

Birmingham  makes  more  provision  for  women  than  most  other 
places,  as  will  be  seen  from  the  following  table  of  accommodations 
provided  for  women  only : 


PREMISES. 

Chargp. 

Wages  of  attendant. 

Time. 

Two   small   prem- 
ises fitted  op  as 
shops,      contain 
two     wate I -clos- 
ets each 

Id. 

lOs.  per  week. 

9  a.  m.  to  7  p.  m. 

Two  sets,  contain- 
ing six. 

One  i>iiiUliiig,  five. 

Ul.aixUd. 
ill. 

15s.  and  10s. per  week. 
9s.  i>er  week. 

8  a.  ni.  to  8  p.  m. 
9.  30  a.  m.  to  9.30  p.  m. 

Bradford  reports  thirty-five  urinals  in  the  year  ending  August 
31,  1894,  as  against  thirty-two  in  the  previous  year.  Arrangements 
were  made  for  four  more,  and  negotiations  pending  for  one  in  the 
workhouse  grounds.  The  urinals  are  under  the  care  of  the  Sanitary 
Committee  of  the  Town  Council. 

Brighton,  for  the  year  1894-5,  reported  the  working  expense  of 
its  lavatories  to  be  £560  lis.  iid.,  receipts,  £700  us.  3d.,  a  very 
favorable  state  of  affairs. 

Burnley,  with  a  population  of  over  60,000,  spent  £260  on  its 
conveniences  in  the  year  ending  Alarch  25,  1894,  and  £435  in  the 
following  year. 

Croydon,  with  80,000  population,  spent  £255  5s.  3d.  on  new 

urinals  in  the  year  1893-4,  and  the  following  for  working  expenses  of 

both  drinking  fountains  and  urinals: 

£    s.  d. 

lloat  of  sites 0  14  0 

liepairs  to  urinals 27    9  6 

Hose 2    2  9 

Ironmonger,   etc 5  16  9 

Gas  4  18  11 

New  fountain  and  repairs 7    0  6 

Wages   88    5  8 

Total 136    8     1 


^'    OFTHE 

UTvllVERSlTV 

OF  .      . 


Public  Comfoijt  Stations.  193 

Sheffield's  account  for  these  conveniences  for  the  year  1894-5 
was  as  follows : 

URINALS. 

£    s.   d. 

Acknowledgments  for  priviloge  to  erect  urinals 3     1    0 

Pluiiibiug  and  ivpairs 4G  14  10 

WatL>r  and  gas 320  12  10 

Total 370    8    8 


WAITING  ROOMS. 

Receipts. 
Pitzalan  square:  £    s.    d.        £     s,     d. 

Use  of  men's  lavatories 122  17  10 

Use  of  women's  lavatories 142    6    1 

265    3  11 

Moorhoad: 

Use  of  men's  lavatories 66  18    3 

Use  of  women's  lavatories 50    5    5 

117    3    8 

Total 382     7     7 

Payments. 
Fitzalan  square:  £    s.    d.        £    s.    d. 

Wages  of  attendant 46  16    0 

Rates,  taxes,  gas  and  water. 47  12    6 

Washing  towels,  repairs,  etc 25  12  10 

120    1    4 

Moorheadj 

Wages  of  attendant 1 41  12    0 

Gas  and  water 17  17  11 

Cleaning  material,  repairs,  etc 13  15    9 

73    5    8 

Total 193     7    0 


ALiTONA. 

In  Germany  the  accommodation  provided  is  very  siinilar. 
Altona  has  erected  chalets  for  ladies,  with  a  notion  store  in  the  front, 
this  making  it  possible  for  ladies  to  enter  without  embarrassment,  as 
the  entrance  is  always  through  the  shops. 

BERLIN  — PRIVATE    CONTRACTOR. 

Berlin  has  146  urinals  with  735  compartments.    Every  day  they 
use  971,000  gallons  of  water  or  354,900,000  per  year,  at  a  cost  of 
$3,190.    Lately  the  city  has  been  experimenting  with  an  oil  closure 
13 


194  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

system,  which  would  take  the  place  of  flushing.  For  this  a  mixture 
of  petroleum  and  rapesced  oil  has  been  used.  The  oil  being  com- 
paratively light  rises  to  the  top  and  keeps  down  all  disagreeable  odors. 
The  saving  is  said  to  be  considerable.  The  city  has  not  yet  decided  to 
adopt  the  system  altogether,  but  is  investigating  it.  The  urinals  were 
introduced  at  a  very  early  date,  but,  of  course,  only  provided  for  men. 
In  1877  two  conveniences  for  women  were  opened  in  schoolhouses, 
and  one  in  the  playground  of  a  schoolhouse.  The  use  of  these  was 
free,  except  that  in  each  establishment  one  closet  was  only  to  be 
used  on  payment  of  a  small  "  tip  "  to  the  attendant.  These  con- 
veniences were  not  much  used,  and  a  private  contractor  established 
five  others  in  rented  rooms  for  both  men  and  women.  Each  estab- 
lishment contained  accommodation  for  from  six  to  eight  persons. 
The  enterprise  failed  for  lack  of  support,  partly  due  to  the  places  not 
being  sufficiently  noticeable.  In  1879  the  contractor  obtained  per- 
mission to  erect  conveniences  in  various  public  places;  and  the  neces- 
sary water  was  freely  granted.  There  are  now  twenty-two  such 
places,  with  accommodations  for  both  sexes.  The  city  has  made  a 
very  advantageous  agreement  with  the  contractor,  by  which  he  turns 
over  10  per  cent,  of  the  net  income  to  the  city,  and  at  the  expiration 
of  the  agreement  the  conveniences  become  the  property  of  the  city. 
A  fee  of  10  pfennigs  (2.38  cents),  first  class,  and  5  pfennigs,  second 
class  is  charged.  In  the  first-class  toilet  is  a  washbasin,  towel  and 
mirror,  which  are  absent  in  the  second  class.  An  extra  5  pfennigs  is 
charged  for  clean  towel,  soap,  comb  and  brush.  No  one  is  allowed  to 
remain  longer  than  fifteen  minutes  in  a  compartment.  Seven  of  the 
establishments  are  open  all  night,  the  remainder  from  7  a.  m.  to 
1 1  p.  m.  The  attendant  receives  33  cents  for  either  day  duty  (7  a.  m. 
to  II  p.  m.)  or  night  duty  (10  p.  m.  to  8  a.  m.). 

BRUNSWICK. 

Brunswick,  with  75,000  inhabitants,  has  only  two  municipal  pub- 
lic comfort  stations  in  two  of  the  larger  market  places.  The  usual 
fees  are  charged.  The  urinals,  the  numbers  of  which  are  continually 
increasing,  are  everywhere  free. 


Appropriation 

Actual  Cost. 

$142  SO 

$142  38 

628  32 

598  12 

1,951  60 

1,777  86 

Public  Comkokt  Stations.  195 

chemnitz. 

Chemnitz  provides  for  a  population  of  139,000  three  latrines. 
The  first,  for  both  men  and  women,  was  erected  in  1890  at  a  cost  of 
$1,140.  For  the  use  of  either  closet  or  urinal  there  is  a  fee  of 
5  pfennigs  (1.19  cents).  Automatic  paying  machines  are  placed  at 
the  door  of  each  compartment.  In  1892  this  establishment  was  used 
by  7.830  persons,  in  1893  by  7.172,  in  1894  by  7,078,  in  1895  by  6,618. 
Two  other  conveniences  were  built  in  1895  at  a  cost  of  $640  and  $950 
respectively.  In  addition  there  are  twenty-six  public  urinals,  for  the 
use  of  which  no  fee  is  charged.  These  are  partly  water  flushing,  partly 
oil  disinfection;  the  latter  method  has  proved  very  successful.  The 
management  and  control  are  vested  in  the  City  Building  Department. 
For  1894  the  cost  was  as  follows: 

Erection  of  new  urinal 

Cleansing  and  disinfecting  urinals 

Water  for  flushing 


dre:sde:n. 

Dresden  has  twenty-nine  public  conveniences  for  men,  one  of 
which  can  be  used  as  a  lavatory  by  women,  for  which  a  small  fee  is 
paid  to  the  attendant.  A  second  public  lavatory  for  women  is  erected 
on  city  property  and  leased  to  a  contractor  for  $72  yearly;  he  charges 
a  small  fee  for  the  use  of  it.  A  joint  stock  company  for  hygienic 
purposes  has  erected  eleven  latrines  for  both  men  and  women.  There 
are  two  classes,  the  first  containing  tw'o  closets  for  each  sex,  and  the 
second,  one  each  and  a  urinal.  The  usual  fees  are  charged  and  there 
is  an  automatic  registering  apparatus.  The  company  does  not  guar- 
antee a  dividend,  as  the  income  has  never  been  high  enough, 

HAMBURG. 

Hamburg  contains  a  number  of  urinals  and  water-closets  for  free 
use.  Several  of  them  are  built  casematelike  into  the  lining  wall  of 
deep-lying  landing  places.  Besides  these,  a  limited  liability  company 
for  hygienic  purposes  has  established  conveniences  on  city  grounds, 
parks,  etc.,  \those  use  it  obtained  free.  The  buildings  are  of  iron  and 
contain  the  usual  acconunodation  at  10  and  5  pfennigs. 


196  Mavou's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

LEIPZIG. 

Leipzig's  urinals  are  in  the  form  of  little  houses  built  of  iron  or 
corrugated  sheet  metal;  they  have  an  open  entrance  protected  by  a 
screening  wall  and  contain  as  a  rule,  three,  rarely  seven,  standing 
places,  the  use  of  which  is  free  of  charge.  They  are  lighted  by  gas, 
furnished  with  intermittent  water  rinsing,  and  connected  with  the 
city's  sewer  system.  Lately,  patented  oil  closures  have  been  intro- 
duced into  them.  Disinfection  is  accomplished  by  the  use  of  diluted 
carbolic  acid.  The  City's  Economy  Inspection  cares  for  and  main- 
tains these  places.  There  are  also  twenty-one  conveniences  contain- 
ing seven  urinal  stands,  one  closet  for  men,  and  two  (with  facilities 
for  washing)  for  women.  The  attendant  stays  in  the  women's  depart- 
ment and  has  to  go  around  the  building  when  summoned  by  a  bell. 
Two  establishments  have  lately  been  erected  after  a  Vienna  model 
and  contain  six  urinals  and  one  closet  for  men  and  three  closets  for 
women.  The  attendant  stays  in  the  middle  of  the  establishment  and 
does  not  need  to  go  outside  of  the  building  to  the  men's  department. 
They  have  patented  oil  closures  instead  of  water  rinsing,  and  are 
lighted  by  gas  and  heated  by  coke  stoves.  The  cost  of  such  an  estab- 
lishment, including  foundation  walls  and  sewer  connection,  is  a  little 
over  $2,000.  The  use  of  the  urinals  for  men,  and  one  closet  for  women 
is  free,  for  the  other  accommodation  the  usual  charges  are  made. 
The  urinals  are  always  kept  open;  the  closets  from  7  a.  m.  to  8. p.  m. 
in  summer,  and  from  8  a.  m.  to  8  p.  m.  in  winter.  The  attendants 
are  elderly  women,  usually  widows,  who  receive  either  $1.19  a  week 
wages  and  the  receipts,  in  consideration  of  which  they  take  care  of 
the  cleaning  and  closing  of  the  houses  and  furnish  the  necessary 
linen,  or  they  have  a  weekly  wage  of  $1.90  and  turn  over  the  receipts 
to  the  city,  which  then  furnishes  the  linen.  An  automatic  numbering 
machine  gives  the  necessary  control.  All  of  the  establishments  have 
proved  to  be  of  practical  value,  and  are  willingly  patronized  by  the 
people. 

MUNICH. 

In  Munich  the  urinals  are  generally  separated  from  the  closets, 
and  are  pavilion-shaped,  with  an  octagonal  base.  As  there  is  a  great 
waste  of  water,  the  oil  closure  system  is  to  be  tried.  The  conven- 
iences for  both  sexes  are  always  under  the  same  roof,  but  with  sepa- 


Public  Comfort  Stations.  197 

rate  entrances.  The  attendant's  room  in  the  center  gives  an  oversight 
to  both  departments.  There  are  no  conveniences  especially  for 
women,  nor  is  it  proposed  to  erect  any.  It  is  projected  to  put  urinals 
into  each  convenience. 

Posen  supplies  the  usual  German  accommodation  at  the  ordinary 
charges. 

Onlv  two  conveniences  in  Strassburg  have  water-closets.  There 
is  no  charge  except  to  women,  who  pay  lo  pfennigs  (2.38  cents).  A 
furth.er  convenience  more  liberally  provided  with  water-closets  is 
shortly  to  be  erected. 

Stuttgart  is  just  introducing  public  comfort  stations,  to  be  built 
by  the  same  contractor  Leipzig  employed. 

AUSTRIA. 

Austrian  cities  follow  German  models.  Vienna  has  178  urinals 
with  798  compartments,  besides  a  number  of  conveniences.  It  was 
the  first  city  to  introduce  the  oil  closure  system,  which  has  proved 
very  satisfactory,  and  is  now  being  generally  adopted  throughout 
Europe. 

Cracow,  with  66,000  population,  has  no  water  pipes,  and  hence 
no  public  conveniences  with  water  rinsing  apparatus. 

Graz  is  erecting  three  public  comfort  stations  to  supersede  the 
urinals  and  closets  at  present  in  use. 

Laibach  has  a  number  of  urinals  and  plain,  unpretentious  closets, 
for  which  no  fee  is  charged.  Besides  these  there  are  little  houses  with 
class  divisions.  In  each  class  is  one  water-closet  and  a  urinal  with 
permanent  water  rinsing  for  men,  and  a  water-closet  for  women. 
There  is  also  an  attendant's  room.  All  these  places  are  city  property 
and  are  managed  by  the  city. 

Milan,  Italy,  contains  two  public  comfort  stations.  One  on  the 
Via  S.  Croce  accommodates  ninety  persons  and  cost  $5,790.  The 
other,  on  the  Via  Cherubini,  provides  for  sixty-six  persons.  These 
are  free,  and  no  account  is  kept  of  the  number  using  them. 

SWEDEN. 

Gothenburg,  Sweden,  has  no  lavatories,  but  there  are  sixt-een 
public  water-closets,  for  which  no  fee  is  charged.  The  cost  for  main- 
tenance in  1894  was  $580.68.    There  are,  besides,  about  200  urinals. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Recommendations  of  the  Mayor's  Committee. 
Plans  for  a  Public  Bath  on  a  site  loo  by  §o  feet. 

MAYOR'S    COMMITTEE. 

According-  to  the  law  quoted  page  31  the  Board  of  Health  is  to 
determine  how  many  public  baths  will  be  necessary.  President 
Wilson,  in  behalf  of  the  Board,  determined  upon  the  general  vicinity 
of  sites  for  seven  baths,  and  requested  the  Mayor's  Committee  to 
submit  him  plans  and  studies  for  a  lot  100  by  50  feet.  When  ordering 
the  plans  he  stipulated  that  the  city  was  not  to  be  called  upon  to  pay 
for  them  unless  they  met  the  approval  of  the  Board.  This  request 
was  made  in  April,  1895;  July  8  the  Committee  had  the  pleasure  of 
forwarding  the  following  communication: 

New  York,  July  8,  1895. 
Hon.  Charles  G.  Wilson,  President  Board  of  Health,  New  York  City: 

My  Dear  Sir. —  Since  my  last  report  to  you,  I  have  the  honor  of 
informing  you  that  the  Mayor  appointed  Messrs.  Hamilton,  Archi- 
bald, Morris  and  Tolman  a  "  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths 
and  Lavatories,"  with  a  view  of  continuing  investigations  and  seeing 
if  some  means  cannot  be  devised  for  working  and  trying  at  once 
some  of  the  recommendations  of  the  Sub-Committee  of  the  late 
Committee  of  Seventy. 

In  pursuance  of  his  Honor's  request,  the  above  gentlemen  met 
for  reorganization  July  i.  Mr.  William  G.  Hamilton  was  chosen 
Chairman;  Dr.  Moreau  Morris,  Vice-Chairman,  and  W'illiam  H. 
Tolman,  Secretary. 

The  Mayor's  Committee,  therefore,  submit  for  the  consideration 
of  your  Board  the  accompanying  studies  and  plans  for  a  public  bath 
on  a  city  lot  100  by  50  feet.  We  should  state,  in  accordance  with 
your  request  of  April,  1895,  for  studies  and  plans  for  a  public  bath, 
that  we  at  once  conmiunicatedv  with  our  architects,  Messrs.  Cady, 
Berg  &  See,  and  would  respectfully  rcconnnend : 


Kk('().mmi:.\i>ati().\s  of  tjik  Mavou's  Committee.  199 

(i)  That  Messrs.  Cady,  Berg  Si  See  be  appointed  architects  of 
such  pubHc  baths  as  your  Board  shall  determine,  because  their  plans 
embody  the  wishes  of  the  Committee,  and  their  experience  in  the 
construction  of  public  baths  in  the  City  of  New  York  has  been 
crowned  with  success.  By  this  means  your  Board  may  avail  itself  of 
the  studies  of  the  Committee  and  the  knowledge  which  is  the  result 
of  successful  experience. 

SITES. 

(2)  That  the  accompanying  plans  shall  regard  a  public  bath  to 
be  built  in  the  vicinity  of  Tompkins  Square,  and  shall  be  the  first  of 
a  series  of  five  others  to  be  located  in  the  vicinity  of 

1.  Washington  and  Carlisle  streets. 

2.  Chatham  Square. 

3.  Essex  Market. 

4.  Tompkins  Square. 

5.  Fifty-eighth  street  and  Eleventh  avenue. 

6.  One  Hundred  and  Tenth  street  and  Second  avenue. 

It  should  be  stated  that  these  very  sites  had  been  recommended 
by  a  member  of  your  own  Board  in  a  report  to  you,  and  had  been 
selected  entirely  independently  of  the  Committee. 

(3)  It  is  the  urgent  recommendation  of  the  Committee,  a  fact 
which  is  confirmed  by  the  practice  of  the  best  English  and  Con- 
tinental baths,  that  a  fee  should  be  charged  for  the  use  of,  say  75  per 
cent,  of  the  baths,  with  the  remainder  free,  as  a  bath  is  not  a  charity 
to  be  enjoyed  for  the  mere  asking,  whereby  the  recipient  loses  his 
independency,  but  should  be  a  municipal  provision  for  cleanliness  on 
the  payment  of  a  fair  charge;  then  the  user  retains  his  independency. 

Respectfully  submitted  in  behalf  of  the  Committee, 
.  (Signed)     WM.  HOWE  TOLMAN, 

Secretary. 

The  rcpoit  was  received  by  the  Board  and  deemed  of  so  great 
importance  tliat  it  was  referred  to  a  special  committee.  After  careful 
deliberation  the  matter  was  reported  to  the  Board,  and  the  following 
action  communicated  to  the  Committee: 


200  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

approval. 

Health  Department, 
New  York,  August  21,  1895. 

Wm.  Howe  Tolman,  Esq.,  Secretary,  etc.,  105  East  Twenty-second 
Street,  New  York: 

Dear  Sir. —  At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Health  of  the  Health 
Department,  held  August  20,  1895,  the  following  resolution  was 
adopted: 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Board  hereby  approves  of  the  plans  for 
a  public  bathhouse  recently  submitted  to  it  by  the  Mayor's  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Baths,  Water-closets  and  Urinals,  as  prepared  by 
Messrs.  Cady,  Berg  &  See,  architects  and  engineers." 

(Signed)     EMMONS  CLARK, 

Secretary. 
(A  true  copy.) 

In  the  plans  and  studies  for  the  first  bath,  the  Committee  were 
obliged  to  follow  the  general  principles  of  the  People's  Bath  in  Centre 
Market  Place,  adding  the  latest  experience  of  the  European  models. 
The  Committee  also  availed  themselves  of  the  experience  of  their 
architects  in  the  construction  and  planning  of  hospitals  and  other 
public  buildings,  hence  a  composite  study  was  secured  that  will  be 
perfectly  suited  to  American  needs  and  conditions. 

CAPACITY. 

Describing  the  details  of  the  proposed  bath,  it  will  be  seen  that 
this  bathhouse  furnishes  eighty  baths,  of  which  forty-tvvo  are  for 
men,  fifteen  for  boys,  and  twenty-three  for  women.  Those  for  men 
and  boys  are  so  arranged  that  their  proportions  can  be  reversed  at 
times  when  a  large  number  of  boys  will  be  present.  These  baths  will 
further  meet  the  needs  of  those  for  whom  the  bathtub  ratlier  than  the 
spray  is  desirable,  three  tubs  being  located  in  the  mezzanine  story 
and  eleven  in  the  second  story;  provision  is  also  made  for  separate 
baths  for  men  who  are  too  filthy  to  be  admitted  to  the  public  baths. 

DEPAHTMEXTS. 

Besides  these  subdivisions  there  is  a  general  division  of  the  house 
into  male  and  female  departments.     The  moment  one  enters  the 


Recommendations  of  the  Major's  Committee.         201 

house,  one  passes  either  into  the  male  or  female  waiting-room,  which 
are  separated  by  a  central  office  and  partition  of  glass  and  ornamental 
iron,  so  located  that  one  person  controls  both  entrances,  as  well  as 
all  the  entrances  to  baths,  stairways,  etc.;  thus,  no  one  can  enter  or 
leave  the  building,  or  its  baths,  without  being  seen  from  this  point. 
This  separation  applies  not  only  to  the  bathers,  but  to  employes  as 
well,  as  no  person  can  pass  from  the  male  to  the  female  departments, 
or  the  reverse,  without  passing  through  this  central  office  or  con- 
trolling point  on  the  main  floor;  the  economy  of  this  arrangement  in 
the  administration  of  the  baths  is  evident;  for,  at  times  when  there  are 
few  bathers  present,  one  person  can  control  all  parts  of  the  building. 

The  baths  themselves  are  constructed  of  iron,  marble  and  un- 
breakable glass,  the  iron  being  finished  in  white  enamel.  Each  indi- 
vidual spray  bath  has  two  compartments,  one  a  dressing-room,  and 
the  other  for  the  bath  itself.  The  floors  throughout  are  of  solid 
masonry,  no  iron  beams  being  used,  to  prevent  cracking  due  to  their 
expansion  ancl  contraction.  The  floor  of  each  bath  compartment  has 
sunk  into  it  a  little  marble  foot  bath ;  each  bath  and  apartment  will 
have  separate  drain  to  main  sewer,  this  for  cleanhness  as  well  as 
hygienic  reasons. 

Excepting  the  fourteen  tub  baths,  the  baths  themselves  will  for 
the  most  part  be  ''  rain  showers  "  or  "  ring  showers  "  (the  latter 
arranged  so  that  water  will  not  strike  the  head,  and  preferred  usually 
by  women). 

The  material,  and  the  manner  in  which  it  is  used,  will  greatly  aid 
in  the  maintenance  of  cleanliness;  the  partitions  being  of  heavy 
rolled  glass  (with  wirework  imbedded  in  it),  the  necessary  framework, 
and  door  of  metal,  finished  in  white  enamel.  The  foot  of  the  glass 
partitions  is  to  be  finished  in  strong  enamelled  wirework  for  ventila- 
tion, while  the  tops  of  the  compartments  will  be  covered  with  the 
satne  material,  allowing  the  free  play  of  light  and  air,  but  preventing 
thievery. 

The  solid  masonry  foundation  permits  the  use  of  white  vitrified 
tiling  for  the  floor,  without  danger  of  cracks  or  open  joints;  and  it 
has  the  further  important  value  of  furnishing  a  series  of  masonry 
passageways,  which  will  be  used  for  the  plumbing  and  ventilating 
pipes,  and  will  give  the  engineer  easy  access  to  them,  while  keeping 
all  parts  separate. 


202  Mayor's  Coi^mittee  ox  Public  Baths. 

No  plunge  baths  or  double  baths  of  any  kind  will  be  used  for 
easily  understood  hygienic  reasons. 

This  bath,  as  planned,  should  readily  accommodate  one  million 
bathers  per  year,  if  kept  open  as  required  by  law,  and  properly  admin- 
istered. 

PUULIC    LAVATORY    FOR    ME\, 

The  plans  of  the  Committee  contemplate  ample  provision  for 
free  public  water-closets  and  urinals,  in  all  parts  of  the  city,  but  it 
has  been  deemed  wise  to  not  await  their  completion,  but  to  make  a 
start  in  this  building.  A  free  lavatory  containing  water-closets, 
urinals  and  wash  sinks,  has  been  provided  in  the  basemicnt,  accessible 
directly  from  the  street.  The  water-closet  seats  wall  be  so  arranged 
that  they  cannot  possibly  be  stood  upon. 

Of  course  ample  water-closets,  urinals,  wash  basins  and  sinks 
are  provided  for  the  employes  also,  in  each  department  of  baths,  and 
all  located  for  convenience  of  access. 

AD^HNISTRATION. 

The  administrative  parts  of  the  building  consist  of  the  engine 
and  boiler-rooms,  which  are  placed  in  the  basement,  and  from  which 
by  means  of  the  brick  passages  already  alluded  to  above  the 
engineer  can  readily  control  all  of  the  main  and  branch  lines  of 
plumbing,  as  well  as  all  parts  of  the  heating  and  ventilating  apparatus 
and  air  ducts. 

The  laundry  is  placed  on  the  second  floor,  where  the  best  light 
and  air  will  be  obtained. 

The  circular  office  or  central  controlling  point  is  built  in  the  main 
waiting-room,  not  only  giving  simple  and  convenient  control  of  it, 
as  previously  mentioned,  but  making  a  central  point  from  which 
keys,  towels,  soap  and  other  supplies  can  be  given  out. 

CONTUOIj    of    BATH13RS. 

Each  bather  should  be  allowed  twenty  minutes  per  bath;  sand 
glasses  (which  are  reversed  when  he  enters)  indicating  to  the  attend- 
ant when  the  bather's  time  has  expired. 

We  think  it  would  be  advisable  in  the  first  building  to  be  built 
to  try  experimentally  the  several  systems  of  controlling  the  quantity 
and  temperature  of  water  allowed  each  bather,  viz.: 


Recommendations  of  the  Mayor's  Committee.         203 

First.  To  build  a  certain  number  of  baths  where  the  bather  him- 
self will  be  allowed  to  control  both  the  temperature  of  the  water  and 
the  quantity  used. 

Second.  To  build  some  baths  where  the  bather  can  control  the 
temperature  of  the  water,  but  where  the  quantity  of  hot  water  is 
limited. 

Third.  To  build  some  baths  where  the  bather  will  have  no  con- 
trol over  the  water  supply  in  any  way.  The  attendant  to  fix  the  tem- 
perature and  the  quantity  from  a  central  point  outside  of  the  baths. 

In  each  case,  however,  the  piping  and  faucets  would  be  so  ar- 
ranged that  under  no  possible  conditions  could  a  bather  scald  himself. 

We  would  recommend  the  heating  of  the  water  by  the  German 
or  "  Gegenstrom  "  system. 

HEATING    AND    VENTILATING. 

The  heating  and  ventilating  will  be  in  general  on  the  principle 
of  drawing  down  the  fresh  air  through  the  large  air  shafts  in  the  rear 
(which  would  be  built  high  above  the  neighboring  structures),  by 
means  of  fans  and  electric  motors;  regulating  its  temperature  by 
blowing  through  plenums,  with  steam  coils  under  the  control  of  the 
engineer,  and  then  forcing  it  to  the  various  parts  of  the  building, 
in  general  at  a  height  of  about  five  feet  above  the  floor. 

The  velocity  of  the  incoming  current  will  be  so  regulated  to  the 
various  parts,  as  to  avoid  any  possibility  of  feeling  a  draught,  and 
yet  the  air  wnll  be  constantly  changed  in  every  part. 

The  exhaust  would  be  near  the  ceilings  of  the  rooms,  connecting 
into  branch  exhaust  ducts  provided  for  that  purpose;  the  branches 
all  connecting  to  the  large  duct  on  the  second  floor,  where  a  fan  and 
motor  would  draw  the  air  out  of  the  building.  In  winter  the  exhaust 
fan  would  not  be  used,  but  the  air  allowed  to  escape  by  natural  means, 
using  only  the  inlet  fans  to  force  in  the  fresh  air. 

All  of  these  ducts  would  be  controlled  by  the  engineer  with 
locking  adjusting  dampers,  to  prevent  unequal  supplies  of  air,  or 
unnecessary  exhaust  of  same. 


204  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

de:sign. 

The  design  of  the  interior  has  been  planned  to  make  the  waiting- 
rooms,  as  well  as  the  main  bathing  halls,  very  attractive  by  its  abun- 
dance of  windows  and  skylights,  and  its  light  reflecting  surfaces.  It 
will  everywhere  suggest  cleanliness  and  light,  and  no  possibility  of 
hidden  disease  germs. 

The  exterior  is  in  classic  style,  admitting  of  sufficient  ornamenta- 
tion to  be  attractive,  but  retaining  the  dignity  and  massiveness  neces- 
sary to  prevent  its  appearing  insignificant  or  trivial,  in  comparison 
witli  the  higher  and  probably  more  prominent  buildings  adjoining. 

The  material  would  preferably  be  marble,  although  the  design 
would  be  carried  out  as  well  in  limestone  or  other  light  masonry. 
Whatever  material  is  used,  however,  should  be  light  in  color. 

PROPOSED  BATH  FOR  TOMPKINS  SQUARE. 
March  25,  1896,  the  Act  quoted  on  page  31  became  a  law.  The 
Mayor  was  very  anxious  that  aggressive  measures  should  be  taken 
at  once  and  proposed  a  conference  between  the  Commissioner  of 
Public  Works  and  the  Committee,  since  that  department  was  charged 
with  the  initial  steps. 

SPECIAL.    MEETING. 

April  22  a  special  meeting  of  the  Mayor's  Committee  was  held 
at  the  office  of  Mayor  Strong,  in  accordance  with  his  request  that,  the 
Committee  should  meet  the  Honorable  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Works,  in  order  to  discuss  the  proposed  bath  and  public  comfort 
station.  The  salient  points  of  the  Committee's  work  were  presented 
to  the  Mayor  and  the  Commissioner,  who  both  expressed  themselves 
delighted  with  the  work,  particularly  commending  it  for  its  practi- 
cability and  business-like  character.  General  Collis  requested  the 
Secretary  to  place  at  his  disposal  the  recommendations  desired  by 
the  Committee,  in  order  that  he  might  get  the  necessary  authority 
from  the  Board  of  Estimate  and  Apportionment.  He  also  signified 
his  willingness  to  avail  himself  of  the  services  of  Messrs.  Cady,  Berg 
&  See,  the  consulting  architects  of  the  Committee,  and  requested 
plans  and  drawings  of  a  proposed  bath  to  be  located  in  Tompkins 
Square,  the  latter  site  having  been  suggested  by  Mayor  Strong  as  a 
desirable  location  for  the  first  public  bath. 


Recommendations  of  thk  Mayor's  Committee.  205 

plans  accepted. 

In  accordance  with  the  official  request  of  the  Commissioner  of 
PubHc  Works,  the  Committee  met  at  the  office  of  General  Collis, 
May  1 8,  and  presented  plans  for  the  first  public  bath  and  two  under- 
ground public  comfort  stations,  with  the  accompanying  recommenda- 
tions of  the  Committee.  The  entire  Committee  was  present,  and,  in 
addition,  Messrs.  Cady  and  Berg.  The  Commissioner  accepted  the 
plans  and  arranged  that  the  Committee,  with  the  architects,  should 
meet  the  Board  of  Estimate  and  Apportionment  at  the  Mayor's  office 
the  following  morning,  ^lay  19,  at  11  o'clock.  Agreeable  to  that 
request,  the  Mayor's  Committee,  with  the  architects,  met  at  the 
Mayor's  office,  and  were  requested  by  him  to  accompany  him  to  the 
Comptroller's  office,  as  the  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Estimate  and 
Apportionment  would  be  held  there.  The  Committee  was  informed 
by  the  Comptroller  that  the  Board  had  so  much  business  which  they 
must  discuss  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  reach  any  consideration 
of  the  plans  for  a  public  bath  and  public  comfort  stations  at  that 
meeting: 

The  following  report  was  submitted  in  accordance  with  the  re- 
quest of  Commissioner  Collis  for  plans  and  specifications: 

New  York,  May  18,  1896. 
Commissioner  C.  H,  T.  Collis,  Commissioner  of  Public  Works: 

My  Dear  Sir. —  In  accordance  with  your  request  of  April  22, 
for  plans  and  recommendations  for  a  public  bath,  the  Mayor's  Com- 
mittee would  most  respectfully  recommend  that  the  first  public  bath 
be  built  in  Tompkins  Square,  and  that  two  underground  public  com- 
fort stations  be  built,  one  in  the  City  Hall  Park,  at  the  corner  of  Mail 
street  and  Park  Row,  and  the  other  in  Greeley  Square,  at  the  junction 
of  Broadway  and  Sixth  avenue  and  Thirty-second  street. 

For  these  we  herewith  present  four  sets  of  plans  which  have 
been  prepared  by  Messrs.  Cady,  Berg  &  See,  under  the  guidance  of 
and  after  constant  consultations  with  the  Committee,  and  we  further 
recommend  that  Messrs.  Cady,  Berg  &  See  be  appointed  the  archi- 
tects and  engineers  to  carry  out  these  structures. 

The  following  list  of  accommodations  to  be  provided  and  a 
description  of  the  plan  is  most  respectfully  submitted: 


206  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

FREE  PUBLIC  BATH. 

The  accommodations  in  this  building  are  for  bathers,  as  follows: 

A  waiting-room  for  men  and  boys,  with  seats  for  more  than  one 
hundred;  also  a  waiting-room  for  women,  with  seats  for  over  fifty. 

In  the  men's  baths  there  are  on  the  main  floor  twenty-eight  rain 
baths,  and  fourteen  more  rain  baths  on  the  second  floor,  where  there 
are  also  ten  tub  baths  for  men,  while  there  are  on  the  main  floor 
seventeen  rain  baths  for  boys,  making  in  all  sixty-nine  baths  for  men 
and  boys. 

The  plan  is  so  arranged  that  the  proportions  of  boys'  and  men's 
baths  can  be  reversed  at  times  when  most  men  are  at  work  and 
public  schools  are  not  in  session. 

The  provisions  for  women  are  seventeen  rain  baths  on  the  main 
floor,  and  ten  tub  baths  on  the  second  floor,  making  in  all  twenty- 
seven  baths.  The  object  of  providing  some  tub  baths  is  for  such 
women  and  men  as  cannot  stand  showers.  This  number  of  baths 
should  readily  provide  for  more  than  one  million  bathers  a  year. 

In  connection  with  these  baths  will  be  built  the  necessary  laun- 
dry conveniences  for  washing  towels,  also  the  engineering  depart- 
ment for  providing  the  steam,  hot  water,  electric  lighting,  and  for 
running  the  ventilation. 

All  the  baths  (except  those  w^ith  bathtubs)  will  have  dressing- 
rooms  in  front  so  arranged  that  the  clothing  cannot  be  wetted  while 
bathing,  while  the  bath,  or  rear  compartments,  will  have  either 
"  rain  "  showers  or  "  ring  "  showers  (the  latter  arranged  not  to  strike 
the  head,  and  preferred  generally  by  women).  „ 

FOOT    BATHS. 

In  each  bath  floor  will  be  sunk  a  marble  foot  bath.  Each  set  of 
compartments  will  be  arranged  to  drain  separately  and  to  prevent 
the  water  from  splashing  from  one  bathroom  into  adjoining  compart- 
ments or  bathrooms;  this  for  cleanliness  as  well  as  hygienic  reasons. 

The  j)artitions  of  the  compartments  will  be  composed  of  heavy 
rolled  glass,  with  wire  bedded  in  it,  the  necessary  metal  parts  being 
painted  with  enamel  paint. 

The  doors  will  be  of  light  metal,  painted  with  enamel  jiaint. 


Recommendations  of  the  Mayor's  Committee.         207 

At  the  foot  of  the  glass  partitions  will  be  enamelled  wirework  in 
slate  frames,  to  promote  thorough  ventilation ;  the  tops  of  the  com- 
partments will  be  covered  with  heavy  enamelled  wirework  to  pre- 
vent thieving.  The  seats  and  all  similar  parts  are  made  movable  for 
cleanliness. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  the  floors  of  the  baths,  throughout  the 
main  floor,  arc  on  solid  masonry.  This  is  done  to  avoid  cracking 
due  to  the  expansion  and  contraction  of  iron  beams,  which  would 
otherwise  take  place. 

Having  solid  masonry  for  a  foundation,  vitrified  tile  can  ])c  used 
for  a  flooring,  witliout  any  danger  of  cracking  or  opening  of  joints. 

Then,  too,  these  masonry  foundations  furnish  a  series  of  brick 
passages,  which  will  be  utilized  for  plumbing  pipes  and  for  ventilation 
system. 

In  connection  with  each  set  of  baths,  there  will  be  ample  conven- 
iences in  the  way  of  water-closets,  urinals,  washbasins,  etc.,  for  men, 
women  and  boys. 

ADMINISTRATION. 

The  administration  parts  of  the  building  consist  of  the  engine 
and  boiler-rooms,  which  are  placed  in  the  basement,  and  from  which, 
by  means  of  the  brick  passages,  the  engineer  can  readily  control  all 
of  the  main  lines  of  plumbing,  as  well  as  the  heating  and  ventilating 
apparatus  and  air  ducts. 

The  laundry  is  placed  on  the  second  floor,  where  the  best  light 
and  air  will  be  obtained. 

A  circular  office  is  built  in  the  main  waiting-room  in  connection 
with  the  partition  dividing  the  male  and  female  waiting-rooms  (ofBce 
and  partition  similar  to  those  enclosing  banking-rooms,  and  about 
seven  feet  six  inches  high,  of  glass  and  iron).  This  office  is  so  located 
that  one  person  can  control  both  of  the  main  entrances  (male  and 
female),  and  all  of  the  entrances  to  the  various  baths,  staircases,  etc. 

No  one  can  enter  or  leave  the  building  without  being  seen  from 
here,  excepting,  of  course,  those  using  the  public  comfort  stations 
and  the  public  laundry. 


208  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

separation  op  males  and  females. 

The  plan  has  been  drawn  with  a  view  of  entirely  separating- 
males  from  females  the  moment  they  enter  the  building. 

The  plan  arranges  this  not  only  for  the  bathers,  but  also  for  all 
employes.  No  person  in  any  part  where  there  are  females  (whether 
bathers  or  employes)  can  go  to  any  part  where  there  are  males,  or 
vice  versa,  without  passing  through  the  central  controlling  office  on 
the  main  floor, 

CONTROL.    OP    BATHERS. 

In  order  to  avoid  too  many  attendants,  we  think  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  allow  each  bather,  excepting  those  in  bathtubs,  to  control  his 
own  hot  and  cold  water  faucets  so  far  as  the  degree  of  heat  is  con- 
cerned. In  each  case,  however,  the  piping  and  faucets  would  be  so 
arranged  that  under  no  possible  conditions  could  a  bather  scald 
himself. 

This  can  be  readily  and  economically  accomplished  by  using  the 
well-known  German  Gegenstrom  System  of  heating  the  water.  In 
this  system  no  steam  is  wasted,  but  only  the  actual  amount  needed 
to  heat  the  water  while  in  use  is  consumed. 

Outside  of  each  bath,  however,  will  be  placed  cocks  under  the 
control  of  the  attendant,  to  shut  of?  entirely  the  supply,  both  hot  and 
cold,  in  case  a  bather  attempts  to  overstay  his  time  limit  when  the 
baths  are  crowded.  In  the  case  of  the  tubs,  the  attendant  will  control 
the  quantity  and  temperature  in  order  to  avoid  waste  of  water. 

HEATING    AND    VENTILATING. 

The  heating  and  ventilating  will  be  in  general  on  the  principle 
of  drawing  down  fresh  air  through  the  large  fresh  air.  shafts  (which 
would  be  built  up  high  above  any  other  part  of  the  structure),  by 
means  of  fans  and  electric  motors,  regulating  its  temperature  by 
blowing  through  plenums  with  steam  coils  under  the  control  of  the 
engineer,  and  tiien  forcing  it  to  tlie  various  parts  of  the  building,  in 
general  blowing  it  in  at  a  height  of  about  live  feet  above  the  floor 
and  so  arranged  as  to  avoid  all  draughts. 

The  cxiiaust  would  be  in  branch  exhaust  ducts  provided  for  that 
purpose,  the  branches  all  connecting  to  tlie  large  exhaust  duct  in  the 


*  ^  /» 


Re5COMmi:m»ations  of  tiik  Mayou's  ('o.m.mittki:.  200 

roof,  where  a  fan  and  motor  would  exhaust  the  air  and  blow  it  out 
of  doors.  In  winter  the  exhaust  fan  would  not  be  used,  but  the  air 
allowed  to  escape  by  natural  means,  using  only  the  inlet  fans  to  force 
in  the  fresh  air. 

All  of  these  ducts,  as  well  as  the  ceiling  lights  and  skylights, 
wouUl  be  controlled  by  electricity  from  the  engine-room,  with  locking 
dampers,  to  prevent  unequal  supplies  of  air  or  unnecessary  exhaust 
of  same.  Speaking  tubes  from  all  parts  to  the  engine-room  will  give 
the  engineer  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  wants  of  the  building  at 
all  times. 

DESIGIV. 

The  design  of  the  interior  has  been  planned  to  make  the  waiting- 
rooms,  as  well  as  the  main  bathing  halls  very  cheerful,  and  with  an 
abundance  of  light.  Everything  will  be  carried  out  with  a  view  to 
the  avoidance  of  dust  or  dirt,  and  so  arranged  that  any  part  can  be 
hosed  out  thoroughly  at  any  time. 

The  exterior  is  in  the  style  known  as  Italian,  and  has  been  made 
very  simple  and  dignified.  This  style  has  been  selected  so  as  to  be 
able  to  keep  the  building  as  low  as  possible,  making  it  unobtrusive 
and  not  obstructing  the  sunshine  and  air  of  the  park.  It,  however, 
will  have  sufficient  dignity  and  massiveness  not  to  appear  insignifi- 
cant or  trivial  in  comparison  with  the  higher  buildings  on  the  avenue. 

The  material  should  preferably  be  of  light  stone,  as  this  at  once 
suggests  the  idea  of  purity  and  cleanliness,  and  accords  well  with 
the  style  chosen,  best  bringing  out  its  lines  and  detail. 

The  piazzas  running  along  each  side  form  a  connection  between 
the  designs  of  the  ends,  and  at  the  same  time  give  a  shady  place  for 
settees,  where  people  can  rest;  while  at  the  end  of  the  piazza  drinking 
fountains  for  public  convenience  will  be  provided. 

LOCATION. 

The  bathhouse  will  be  least  obstructive  in  the  park  by  placing  it 
on  the  center  of  the  east  side  of  Tompkins  Park,  immediately  adjoin- 
ing Avenue  B.  The  entrances  for  men  and  boys,  that  is,  to  the  baths 
and  to  the  men's  public  comfort  station,  would  be  from  the  avenue. 
Those  for  women,  to  the  baths,  laundry  and  public  comfort  station, 
14 


210  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

would  be  from  the  park  side,  the  approaches  so  arranged  as  to  be 
screened  by  shrubbery. 

Respectfully  submitted  on  behalf  of  the  Committee, 

(Signed)     WM.  H.  TOLMAN, 

Secretary. 

When  it  became  known  that  the  Committee  proposed  to  locate 
the  first  bath  in  Tompkins  Square,  a  general  protest  was  made,  on 
behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  part  of  the  city.  It  was  claimed  that 
the  park  space  was  altogether  too  small  as  it  was,  and  that  it  would 
be  a  serious  loss  to  invade  the  park  by  the  location  of  a  building 
devoted  to  public  purposes.  The  protest  was  so  strong,  and  the 
points  so  well  taken,  that,  after  a  conference  with  the  Mayor,  it  was 
decided  to  withdraw  all  recommendations  for  the  location  of  a  bath 
in  Tompkins  Square.  The  Committee  pointed  out  to  His  HoYior  the 
Mayor  that  it  was  compulsory  to  indicate  some  park  for  the  location 
of  the  bath,  as  no  latitude  for  a  choice  was  given  by  the  mandatory 
law  on  public  baths. 

In  justice  to  his  Honor,  the  Committee  should  state  that  the  law 
on  public  baths  being  mandatory,  it  was  necessary  to  select  some 
park,  and  Tompkins  Square  seemed  the  most  desirable. 

Tlie  proposed  building  for  Tompkins  Square  would  have  pro- 
vided for  more  than  a  bath,  as  it  contemplated  a  public  laundry  and  a 
public  comfort  station.  From  a  description  of  the  plans  and  the 
front  elevation,  it  will  be  noted  that  such  a  building  would  have  been 
an  architectural  addition  to  any  city  as  well  as  serving  the  special 
object  for  which  it  was  designed. 

The  law  being  mandatory  with  reference  to  the  location  of  baths 
in  the  pu])lic  parks  only,  and  as  there  was  no  public  park  in  which  a 
bath  could  be  constructed  that  would  meet  the  wants  of  that  portion 
of  the  tenement-house  population  for  which  these  baths  were  emi- 
nently intended,  it  was  seen  that  no  further  action  could  be  taken 
without  additional  legislation,  which  would  allow  the  purchase  of 
property  Ijy  the  city  or  the  securing  of  proper  locations  by  condemna- 
tion proceedings. 


Recommendations  of  the  Mayor's  Committee.         211 

PLANS    I'OR    UNDERGROUND    PUBLIC    COMFORT 

STATIONS. 

The  Committee  has  given  the  subject  of  lavatories  or  places  of 
iniblic  comfort  much  thought,  and  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  has 
made  personal  study  and  inspection  of  the  lavatory  systems  of  the 
cities  of  Europe  and  England.  It  is  firmly  believed  that  when  the 
American  public  are  conversant  with  the  latest  practice  on  the  subject 
they  will  not  be  behind  Europe  in  their  introduction,  especially  as  it 
is  contrary  to  law  for  the  public  servants  of  the  city  to  frequent,  while 
on  duty,  drinking  places,  about  the  only  places  now  providing  con- 
veniences for  public  comfort. 

In  our  opinion  the  most  approved  system  is  the  underground 
"  latrines  "  as  now  adopted  by  the  City  of  London;  they  are  clean, 
inodorous,  hidden  from  view,  and  attractive,  and  frequented  by  all 
ranks  of  society,  and  are  provided  for  both  men  and  women  in  sepa- 
rate places.  It  is  customary  to  make  a  charge  of  a  penny  for  the 
use  of  the  closets,  and  two  pence  for  the  use  of  towels  and  soap  in  the 
lavatories,  the  urinals  being  free.  With  the  small  charge  these  places 
are  quite  self-supporting,  and  your  Committee  asks  that  the  experi- 
mental places  suggested  may  be  carried  on  in  all  particulars  as  far 
as  possible  as  are  those  in  London  in  the  matter  of  management. 

The  report  of  the  City  of  London  Commissioners  of  Sewers 
shows  the  working  of  ten  establishments  in  the  small  area  of  the 
City  of  London,  which  has  a  day  population  of  262,000,  as  follows : 


212 


Mayou's  Committee  on  Puhlic  Baths. 


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Kecommiondations  of  tiik  Mayor's  Committee.  213 

Since  then  latrines  have  opened  at  Crutched  Friars,  Aldgate, 
Billingsg-ate  Market  and  Cannon  street,  all  in  the  city  area.  The 
last-named  latrine  cost  £2,389. 

It  appears  from  the  latest  published  returns  that  the  receipts  and 
expenditures  for  three  years  ending  December,  1892,  when  nine  con- 
veniences only  were  in  use,  were  as  follows: 

Receipts £6,752 

Expenditures  (including-  gas,  wages,  water, 
repairs,  etc.) £6,944 


It  will  be  seen  that  these  conveniences  are  almost  self-supporting, 
and  it  is  hoped  in  the  course  of  time  that  they  will  become  a  source 
of  profit,  besides  paying  interest  on  capital  outlay. 

UIVDERGROUND    LATRINES. 

Another  great  advantage  of  these  underground  latrines  is  that 
the  old-fashioned  and  unsightly  conveniences  are  gradually  disap- 
pearing from  the  streets.  In  addition  to  water-closet  accomoda- 
tions these  conveniences  provide  free  urinals.  It  is  estimated  that 
9,000,000  use  the  urinals  per  annum,  and  697,300  the  water-closets. 
Their  economy,  efficiency  and  utility,  must  therefore  be  manifest,  and 
the  Commissioners'  efforts  fully  appreciated. 

Your  Committee  suggests  that  two  underground  places  of  public 
comfort  be  built ;  one  at  the  south  end  of  the  City  Hall  Park,  and  one 
at  the  small  park  between  Broadway  and  Sixth  avenue,  and  between 
Thirty-second  and  Thirty-third  streets. 

These  will  serve  as  object  lessons.  If  as  successful  as  those  in 
London,  w^e  believe  many  more  will  be  built  in  other  locations,  as 
necessity  may  suggest,  being  almost  hidden  from  view,  light,  clean 
and  thoroughly  ventilated  and,  if  cared  for  as  they  are  in  London, 
thev  will  soon  commend  themselves  to  the  common  sense  of  the 
public. 

To  meet  the  wants  of  the  public  where  underground  places  may 
not  be  available,  the  Committee  presents  plans  for  urinals  with  self- 
flushing  apparatus,  to  be  placed  on  properties  belonging  to  the  city, 
or  which  may  be  acquired  for  the  purpose,  but  most  earnestly  recom- 


214  Mayor's  Committee  on  Puklig  Baths. 

mends  that  the  underground  places  of  puljHc  comfort  be  used  whcre- 
ever  practicable,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  other  kinds.  Experience 
demonstrates  that  it  takes  some  small  time  before  these  places  are 
fully  appreciated  by  the  public,  but  it  is  merely  a  question  of  time. 

PARK    SHELTERS. 

With  the  exception  of  the  provisions  made  by  the  saloons  in 
New  York  City  there  is  practically  no  provision  for  public  comfort 
stations  outside  of  the  few  shelters  in  the  pu1)lic  parks. 

July  lo,  1895,  ^  formal  request  was  made  to  the  Committee  by 
the  Board  of  Health,  in  accordance  with  the  following  resolution: 

"  That  the  Committee  appointed  by  His  Honor  the  Mayor,  on 
Public  Baths,  Lavatories,  etc.,  be  and  is  hereby  requested  to  prepare 
plans  for  public  lavatories  and  water-closets  in  the  streets  and  public 
places  in  this  city  for  the  accommodation  of  women  as  well  as  men, 
and  for  additional  accommodations  in  the  public  parks." 

The  Committee  at  once  instructed  the  architects  to  prepare  plans 
and  studies  for  underground  public  comfort  stations,  as  well  as  those 
to  be  located  under  the  elevated  stations  and  within  the  area  line  of 
buildings  on  the  sidewalk.  The  plans  were  submitted  and,  after  a 
conference  with  President  Wilson,  several  changes  were  made  in 
order  that  his  ideas  might  be  embodied.  The  Board  of  Health  re- 
ferred the  matter  to  a  special  committee,  which  in  turn  reported  to 
the  Board,  and  October  2,  1895,  the  following  communication  was 
received : 

William  Howe  Tolman,  Ph.  D.,  Secretary,  105  East  Twenty-second 
Street,  Nezv  York: 

Sir. —  At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Health  of  the  Health  Depart- 
ment, held  October  i,  1895,  the  following  resolutions  were  adopted: 

PLANS    APPROVED. 

Resolved,  That  this  Board  approves  of  the  report  submitted  by 
the  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths,  Water-closets  and  Urinals, 
and  the  accompanying  plans  made  by  Cady,  Berg  &  See,  architects 
and  engineers,  and  recommends  that  the  President  appoint  a  com- 
mittee of  one  from  this  Board  to  obtain  the  necessary  funds,  and  to 
procure  one  hundred  of  these  stations  at  once,  and  to  select  and  lease 
the  necessary  sites. 


Recommendations  of  tiik  Mayor's  Committer,         215 

Resolved,  That  the  Mayor's  Committee  be  ref|uested  to  submit 
the  necessary  working-  drawings,  specifications  and  estimates  for  one 
hundred  such  stations. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  this  Board  communicate  with 
the  Board  of  Commissioners  of  Public  Parks  and  request  them  to 
co-operate  with  the  Mayor's  Committee  and  this  Board  in  carrjing 
out  the  suggestions  contained  in  the  report  relating  to  stations  in  the 
smaller  and  larger  parks. 

Resolved,  That  Commissioner  George  B.  Fowler  be  and  is 
herel)y  appointed  a  committee  of  one,  under  the  above  resolution,  to 
represent  this  Board. 

(Signed)     EMMONS  CLARK, 

Secretary. 
(A  true  copy.) 

Commissioner  Fowler  manifested  his  great  interest  in  the  matter 
by  meeting  with  the  Committee  and  frequent  consultations  with  the 
architects,  in  order  that  the  whole  matter  might  receive  careful  atten- 
tion. The  Committee  was  particularly  anxious  to  make  provisions 
for  the  comfort  of  public  servants,  especially  the  policemen,  when 
early  in  October  the  Secretary  was  authorized  to  present  to  Com- 
missioner Roosevelt  the  following  statement: 

It  is  proposed  ultimately  to  establish  on  each  policeman's  post 
a  station  containing  a  water-closet  and  urinal.  For  the  immediate 
present,  however,  only  one  hundred  of  these  stations  will  be  put  in 
various  parts  of  the  city,  experimentally. 

EXPERIMENT    STATIONS. 

The  stations  will  be  built  of  iron,  roofed  over,  and  so  arranged 
that  where  placed  against  the  side  walls  of  buildings  no  part  of  the 
interior  can  be  seen  from  the  windows  or  any  part  of  the  house. 
They  will  be  entered  from  the  street  side.  Where  they  cannot  be 
placed  against  houses,  they  will  be  placed  on  street  corners  of  wide 
streets  or  under  elevated  railroad  stairs.  The  height  from  sidewalk 
to  top  of  cornice  in  each  case  will  be  eight  feet  six  inches.  The  width 
of  each  station  — or  the  projection  out  from  the  house  —  will  be 
four  feet.  The  length  of  each  station  or  the  part  coming  against  the 
brick  wall  of  the  house,  will  be  six  feet  ten  inches,  where  the  station 


210  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

contains  both  a  water-closet  and  a  urinal,  or  four  feet  four  inches 
where  it  contains  a  urinal  or  water-closet  only. 

The  stations  will  be  so  arranged  that  they  cannot  possibly  be- 
come a  nuisance  to  property  owners.  Where  stations  are  placed 
against  the  brick  walls  of  houses,  inside  of  the  area  line,  the  city 
would  pay  a  moderate  rental.  Where  the  owner  of  the  projierty 
would  be  willing  also  to  keep  the  station  clean,  the  city  would  pay 
an  additional  amount  for  such  service.  Each  roundsman  should 
ascertain  — 

AVAILAIILE    SITES. 

First.  How  many  available  sites  there  are  on  his  post  where  a 
combined  water-closet  and  urinal  station  (six  feet  ten  inches  long) 
could  be  placed  against  a  house,  inside  of  the  area  line,  where  the 
landlord  would  not  object.  He  also  should  report  with  the  site  the 
annual  rent  demanded,  and  whether  the  landlord  is  willing  to  keep 
the  station  clean  and  the  annual  cost  thereof. 

Second.  Report  similarly  available  sites  for  urinal  stations  only 
(four  feet  four  inches  long),  yearly  rent  demanded,  and  if  willing  to 
keep  same  clean,  yearly  compensation  for  such  service. 

Third.  Report  available  street  corners  where  a  combined  water- 
closet  and  urinal  station  (four  feet  wide  by  six  feet  ten  inches  long),    • 
placed  near  the  curb,  would  not  obstruct  pedestrians. 

Fourth.  Report  available  street  corners  where  urinal  stations 
only  (four  feet  wide  and  four  feet  four  inches  long)  could  be  placed 
near  the  curb  without  obstructing  pedestrians. 

Fifth.  Report  all  available  sites  where  combined  water-closet 
and  urinal  station  (four  feet  wide  and  six  feet  ten  inches  long,  eight 
feet  six  inches  high)  can  be  placed  under  elevated  railroad  stairs. 

October  8,  the  Committee,  in  compliance  with  the  resolution  of 
the  Board  of  Health,  passed  at  the  meeting  on  October  i,  accepting 
their  report  and  plans,  requested  Messrs.  Cady,  Berg  &  See  to  pre- 
pare the  necessary  working  drawings  and  specifications  for  each  of 
the  four  varieties  of  public  comfort  stations  called  for  by  the  Board 
of  Health. 

CONFERENCE. 

Ajiril  22,  1895,  a  conference  was  called  by  Mayor  Strong  between 
the  Committee  and  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  to  whom 


Recommknoations  of  tiik  Mayou's  C'oMMn"ri:r:.  217 

the  building-  of  tlie  public  comfort  stations  was  entrusted,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  last  law.  General  CoUis  expressed  himself  as  satisfied 
with  the  studies  of  the  Committee,  and  signified  his  willingness  to 
avail  himself  of  the  services  of  the  Committee's  architects,  and 
requested  the  necessary  recommendations,  in  order  that  he  in  turn 
could  secure  the  necessary  authorization  from  the  Board  of  Estimate 
and  Apportionment. 

May  i8  the  plans  and  studies  were  submitted  to  the  Commis- 
sioner at  his  office,  at  which  meeting  the  plans  were  accepted  by  him. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Estimate  held  in  July  the  plans  were 
subjected  to  a  criticism  by  Commissioner  Styles,  of  the  Park  Depart- 
ment, and,  on  motion  of  the  Comptroller,  the  whole  matter  of  under- 
ground public  comfort  stations  was  referred  to  the  Parks  Department, 
with  a  request  that  they  should  report  to  the  Board  of  Estimate, 

In  connection  w^ith  the  building  for  the  proposed  bath  in  Tomp- 
kins Square,  provision  would  have  been  made  for  two  wings,  one 
containing  sixteen  water-closets,  twenty  urinals  and  three  washbasins 
for  men,  and  the  other,  fourteen  water-closets  and  four  washbasins 
for  women. 

GREELEY    SQUARE. 

In  the  recommended  underground  public  comfort  stations,  one 
in  the  City  Hall  Park,  the  other  in  the  small  park  in  Greeley  Square, 
the  plans  submitted  provide  for  making  these  stations  of  masonry 
so  far  as  practicable.  The  ceilings  to  be  entirely  of  mason  work,  so 
as  to  avoid  the  expansion  and  contraction  of  iron  beams,  and  the 
consequent  possibility  of  dampness  and  leaks. 

The  ceilings  of  these  stations  will  be  kept  well  down,  as  shown  on 
the  sections,  so  as  to  leave  sufficient  height  above  to  fill  in  with  earth 
and  loam,  so  as  to  be  able  to  retain  the  appearance  of  the  park,  and 
not  lose  any  of  the  verdure  or  breathing  space  now  existing.  Each 
station  will,  of  course,  be  made  thoroughly  damp-proof  and  water- 
tight. The  entrances  for  men  and  women  will  be  located  at  opposite 
points  of  the  parks  as  shown  on  the  plan,  and  will  be  screened  by 
shrubbery  and  ornamental  iron  railings,  which  will  also  run  around 
the  park. 

The  ventilation  will  be  by  means  of  electric  exhaust  fans,  which 
will  draw  the  air  from  everv  water-closet  bowl,  as  well  as  from  over 


218  Mayor's  Committer  on  Public  Baths. 

every  water-closet  and  urinal.  It  is  then  blown  out  through  an  orna- 
mental shaft,  on  top  of  which  an  electric  light  will  be  placed. 

In  connection  with  this  station  will  be  a  room  for  the  male  and 
female  attendant,  also  rooms  for  coal  and  heating  apparatus.  Where 
the  sewer  level  would  be  above  the  plumbing  fixtures,  these  will  dis- 
charge into  a  tight  cesspool  sunk  below  the  floor,  and  the  matter  in 
the  latter  will  be  pumped  out  and  into  the  sewer  at  regular  intervals. 
A  small  electric  pump  will  be  provided  for  this  purpose. 

The  walls,  like  those  in  the  bathhouses,  will  be  of  light  glazed 
brick,  the  partitions  of  water-closets  similar  to  those  of  the  baths,  all 
wired  glass,  and  all  arranged  to  avoid  dust  and  to  give  tlie  utmost 
light  and  cleanliness  to  the  place. 

It  should  be  stated  that  this  wired  glass  is  sufficiently  opaque  to 
provide  proper  privacy. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Bir.LFOGRAPIIV. 

Aachen  (Germany). —  Public  Baths.  "Aix-la-Chapelle  and  Envi- 
rons," pp.  33-35. 

Aachen  (Germany),  Stadtbauamt  Abteilung  Hochbau. —  Letter  and 
matter  regarding  public  baths, -etc.,  December  10,  1895. 

Allsop,  Robert  Owen. —  Public  Baths  and  Washhouses.  98  pp.  ill., 
London,  1894. 

Altona  (Germany). —  Tarifif,  description  (with  plans)  and  tickets  of 
Altona  Baths. 

Altona  (Germany),  Magistrat  der  Stadt. —  Letter  regarding  baths 
and  lavatories,  March  12,  1896., 

Amateur  Swimming  Association  (England). —  Form  of  Application 
for  Championship  Competition. 

Amateur  Swimming  Association  (England). —  Swims  and  Swim- 
mers; notes  on  the  Association's  meetings,  etc.,  from  London 
paper. 

Amateur  Swimming  Club  (London,  England). —  Rules,  Fixtures 
and  Programme  of  the  Twenty-eighth  Annual  Costume  Enter- 
tainment, Monday,  October  21,  1895;  also  letter  from  A.  C. 
Parker,  Hon.  Sec,  April  2,  1896,  giving  information  as  to  accom- 
modation usually  provided  for  swimming  clubs. 

Baruch,  Simon,  M.  D. —  A  Plea  for  PubHc  Baths,  with  an  inexpen- 
sive method  for  their  hygienic  utilization.  45  pp.  ill.;  reprinted 
from  "  Dietetic  Gazette,"  May,  1891. 

Baruch,  Simon,  M.  D. —  Letter  criticising  the  Committee's  report  as 
to  a  large  bathhouse  and  the  introduction  of  tubs. 

Berlin  (Germany). —  Die  Stadtische  Volksbadeanstalt  in  Moabit. 
See  "  Festschrift  zur  XXXV  Hauptversammlung  des  Deutscher 
Ingenieure,"  Berlin,  1894. 


220  Mayor's  Committer  ox  Puhlic  Baths. 

Berlin  (Germany),  Magistral  hiesiger  Koniglichen  Haupt-  unci  Resi- 
denzstadt. —  Letter  regarding  Public  Bath  and  Lavatories, 
February  i8,  1896;  also  reports  on  the  City  Baths,  1893-4  and 
1894-5. 

Berlin  (Germany). —  Oel  pissoir  von  Beetz.  "  Technische  Mitthei- 
lungen  und  Anzeigen,"  November  i,  1895. 

Berlin  (Germany). —  Tariff,  blank  reports,  etc.,  of  the  Berlin  Public 
Baths. 

Berlin  (Germany). —  Ueber  Anlage  und  Betrieb  von  Bediirfniss- 
Anstalten  fiir  Manner  und  Frauen,  with  plans;  also  Oelver- 
schliisse  bei  Pissoiren;  both  by  Rudolf  Protz,  Sub-Director  of 
the  Berlin  Public  Lavatories;  together  with  detailed  estimates 
of  cost  of  Berlin  conveniences  and  urinals,  and  poster. 

Birmingham  (England),  Baths  Department. —  Letters  from  Superin- 
tendent and  Engineer,  J.  Cox,  regarding  public  l)aths,  January 
21,  June  20  and  September  30,  1896. 

Birmingham  (England). —  Biographical  Sketch  of*  ^Ir.  Job  Cox, 
Superintendent  of  the  Corporation  Baths;  with  portrait.  Birm- 
ingham "  Owl,"  January  10,  1896. 

Birmingham  (England)  Borough  of. —  Public  Baths  and  Open 
Bathing  Places;  by-laws  for  their  management,  use  and  regu- 
lation.    1885. 

Birmingham  (England),  City  of. —  Corporation  Baths;  details  and 
particulars  of  the  several  bathing  establishments,  1894;  rules  for 
the  baths.    Title  page  of  report,  January,  1896. 

Birmingham  (England),  City  of. —  Corporation  Baths;  with  interior 
photograph  of  the  oldest  bathing  institution.  Birmingham 
"  Faces  and  Places,"  1893;  pp.  40  and  43-45. 

Blomfield  House  Swimming  Club  (London,  England). —  Pro- 
gramme of  Annual  Costume  Entertainment,  Monday,  October 
28,  1895. 

Bootle  (England),  Borough  of. —  Public  Baths  and  Gymnasium; 
Annual  Reports,  sixth  and  seventh,  1894  and  1895 ;  also  time  and 
price  of  admission  for  classes.  Letter  from  J.  Farmer,  Town 
Clerk,  January  20,  1896,  regarding  work. 

Boston,  City  Council. —  References  to  Public  Baths.  Inaugural  ad- 
dress by  Josiah  Quincy,  Mayor;  p.  36. 


Hir.i.iocjKAriiv.  221 

Boston,  City  of,  Department  of  Parks. —  Elevation  of  Bathhouse  in 
Marine  Park.  Twentieth  Annual  Report  of  the  Board  of  Com- 
missioners, for  the  year  ending  January  31,  1895. 

Boston  (Mass.). —  Letter  from  John  Mullaly,  Superintendent  Bath- 
house, West  Boston  Bridge,  September,  1896,  and  letter  from 
Samuel  F.  Hubbard,  Superintendent  North  End  Union,  August 
7,  1896,  re  Baths  in  a  Boston  Public  School. 

Boston  (Mass.). — Report  on  Bathhouses  for  1895.  Twenty-fourth 
Amuial  Report  of  the  Health  Department,  for  the  year  1895. 

Bradford  (England),  Borough  of. —  Baths  and  Washhouses.  Report 
of  the  Committees  of  the  Council,  1894;   pp.  83-85. 

Breslau  (Germany),  Magistrat  der  Koniglichen  Plaupt-  und  Resi- 
denzstadt. —  Letter  and  matter  regarding  public  baths,  etc.,  No- 
vember 20,  1895;  also  returns  for  1894  and  1895;  rules,  time  and 
instructions  to  attendants. 

Brighton  (England),  Borough  of. —  Public  Baths;  by-laws  for  their 
management,  use  and  regulation,  1874;  also  statistics  of  cottage 
baths,  and  letter  from  W.  Boiling,  ex-Mayor,  in  reference  to 
cottage  baths,  September  22,  1896. 

Brighton  (England). —  Letter  regarding  Public  Baths  from  F.  J.  Till- 
stone,  Town  Clerk,  March  24,  1896. 

Brockton  (Mass.). —  Letter  from  William  S.  Bamford;  September  4, 
1896. 

BrookHne  (Mass.). —  Baths,  Bathing  and  Swimming  for  Soldiers;  by 
H.  Lincoln  Chase,  Assistant  Surgeon  Massachusetts  \'olunteer 
Regiment.  (Reprinted  from  the  Boston  "  ]\Iedical  and  Surgical 
Journal  "  of  August  27  and  September  3,  1896.)  Also  letters 
from  ]\Ir.  Chase;  September  26,  October  29  and  November  24, 
1896. 

BrookHne  (Mass.),  Special  Committee. —  Report  on  Improved  Public 
Bathing  Facilities;  October  24,  1895;  circular  of  opening  of 
baths,  December  28,  1896. 

Brunswick  (Germany),  Der  Stadt  Magistrat. —  Letter  regarding 
Public  Baths,  etc.,  November  26,  1895.  Number  of  baths, 
charges,  etc. 

Budapest  (Hungary). —  Book,  pamphlet,  letter,  etc.,  regarding  Pub- 
lic Baths;  December,  1895. 


222  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

Buffalo  (N.  Y.).— The  Buffalo  Free  Bath.  The  "Engineering 
Record;"  September  19,  1896. 

Burnley  (England),  County  Borough  of. —  Baths  manager's  report; 
March  25,  1893,  and  March  25,  1894.  Annual  Report,  Four- 
teenth, 1893,  p.  61;  also  Annual  Report,  Fifteenth,  1895,  p.  63. 

Burnley  (England),  County  Borough  of. —  Letter  from  William  G. 
Fullalove,  Town  Clerk,  January  20,  1896,  regarding  work;  also 
Rules  and  Regulations  relating  to  Corporation  Baths,  1895. 

Chemnitz  (Germany). —  Letters  from  Biirgermeister  Gerber,  Febru- 
ary 26,  1896  (with  date  of  first  bath,  number,  cost,  etc.,  of  Public 
Baths  and  Public  Lavatories),  and  July  21,  1896.  Also  letter 
from  Department  of  School  Affairs  as  to  school  baths,  Septem- 
ber 24,  1896. 

Chemnitz  (Germany). — Public  Baths.  "Bericht  der  Bauverwaltung," 
1888,  pp.  4,  6,  16,  and  19-22;  and  1890,  pp.  6,  18,  and  19;  also 
"  Bericht  iiber  die  Verwaltung  und  den  Stand  der  Gemeindean- 
gelegenheiten,"       1894  and  1895. 

Chemnitz  (Germany). —  Reference  to  Public  Lavatories.  "  Bericht 
der  Stadtbauverwaltung,"  1888,  p.  7,  and  1890,  pp.  7  and  14. 

Chicago  (111.). —  Letter  from  Dr.  Gertrude  G.  Wellington,  September 
2,  1896;  letter  from  Joseph  Downey,  Commissioner  of  Public 
Works,  November  7,  1896. 

Chicopee  (Mass.),  Dwight  Manufacturing  Co. —  Letters  from  Carroll 
D.  Wriglit,  United  States  Commissioner  of  Labor,  and  J.  W. 
Cumnock,  Agent  Dwight  Manufacturing  Co.,  as  to  provisions 
made  for  baths;  September  9  and  15,  1896. 

Clarence  Swimming  Club  (London,  England). —  Programme  of  Fifth 
Annual  Entertainment,  Thursday,  October  17,  1895. 

Coventry  (England),  City  of. —  Public  Baths;  by-laws  for  their  man- 
agement, use  and  regulation,  1893;  also  letter  from  Town  Clerk, 
Lewis  Beard,  regarding  baths;  January  20,  1896. 
.  Croydon  (England),  County  Borough  of. —  Baths  and  Additions. 
Abstract  of  Receipts  and  Expenditures,  1894;  p.  2. 

Croydon  (England). —  Queries  and  replies  regarding  the  baths;  cir- 
culars of  time,  price,  etc.,  and  letters  from  Samuel  Jacob,  Town 
Clerk,  January  20,  1896,  and  E.  Mawdesley,  Town  Clerk,  Sep- 
tember 7,  1896. 


Bibliography.  223 

Dolphin  Swimming  Clnb  (London,  England). —  Rules,  officers  and 
fixtures  for  season  1896;  also  letter  from  C.  W.  Horner,  Hon. 
Sec,  June  29,  1896. 

Donald,  Robert. —  Public  Baths  and  Laundries.  "  Outlook,"  Febru- 
ary 15,  1896. 

Dresden  (Germany),  Rath. — Letter  on  Public  Baths  and  Lavatories, 
February  13,  1896,  concerning  river  baths  and  proposed  douche 
baths,  public  and  private  lavatories. 

Eastbourne  (England). —  Prospectus  of  the  Royal  Parade  Baths, 
Limited. 

Edinburgh  (Scotland),  City  of. —  Corporation  Baths;  scale  of 
charges,  time,  and  various  kinds  of  admission  tickets;  also 
deposit  and  other  tickets  for  washhouse  and  Rules  and  Regu- 
lations for  Baths  and  Washhouses. 

Essen  (Germany),  Die  Polizeiverwaltung. —  Letter  and  matter  re- 
garding Public  Baths,  etc.,  November  9,  1895;  time  and  price 
of  baths. 

Fisk,  Harvey  E. — The  Introduction  of  Public  Rain  Baths  in  America: 
a  Historical  Sketch.     "  The  Sanitarium,"  June,  1896. 

Frankfort-on-jMain  (Germany). —  Letter  from  the  Mayor,  May  20, 
1896. 

Gerhard,  William  Paul. —  Some  Recent  Public  "  Rain  "  Baths  in 
New  York  City. 

Glasgow  (Scotland),  City  of. —  Corporation  Baths  and  Washhouses; 
Reports  for  1891  and  1892. 

Glasgow  (Scotland). —  Letter  from  J.  Lang,  City  Chambers,  regard- 
ing various  details  of  Public  Baths,  date  of  first  bath,  number  of 
baths,  etc.,  January  31,  1896;  also  letter  from  W.  Thomson,  Su- 
perintendent Corporation  Baths  and  Washhouses,  with  statistics, 
etc.,  of  public  baths,  February  10,  1896. 

Gothenberg  (Sweden). —  Letter  from  Gustav  Svanberg,  Commis- 
sioner of  Trade,  Policy  and  Finance,  giving  date  of  first  bath, 
■  cost,  number,  etc.,  February  14,  1896. 
Gothenberg  (Sweden). —  Statistical  abstract  of  the  baths  served  in 
the  Renstromska  Badanstalten;  average  operating  expenses  of 
the  same;  also  small  ground  plan,  tariff  of  baths,  tickets  and 
pamphlets  concerning  baths. 


224  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

Gottingen  (Germany). —  Bade-Einriclitung  inncrhalb  der  Volk- 
schulen  der  Stadt  Gottingen,  by  Oberbiirgermeister  Merkel; 
also  letter  from  Mayor,  July,  1896. 

Gottingen  (Germany). —  Schulbader,  by  Oberbiirgermeister  Mer- 
kel. Volks-  und  Schulbader,  Verhandlung  auf  der  dreizehnten 
Versammlung  des  "  Deutschen  Vereins  fiir  offentlichen  Ge- 
sundheitspflege  "  zu  Breslau  am  13  Sept.,  1896. 

Graz  (Austria),  Stadtrath. —  Letter  regarding  public  baths,  etc., 
January,  1896. 

Halifax  (England). —  Corporation  Baths:  List  of  charges  and  hours 
of  admission;  also  various  admission  tickets,  1894-5. 

Hamburg  (Germany). — Bade-  und  Waschanstalten.  "Hamburg  und 
seine  Bauten,"  etc.;  pp.  214-231. 

Hamburg  (Germany),  Bua  Deputation,  Central  Bureau  des  Ingen- 
ieurwesens. —  Letter  and  matter  regarding  Public  Baths,  etc., 
November  26,  1895,  from  Andreas  ]\^eyer.  Chief  Engineer.  No- 
tices of  baths,  scale  of  prices,  tickets,  reports,  1890-94,  etc. 

Hamburg  (Germany). —  Specifications  and  Conditions  for  Building 
a  Casement,  with  Closet  and  Urinal  Acconmiodation,  on  the 
Hop  Market. 

Harrogate  (England). —  An  illustrated  Account  of  Harrogate;  Its 
Baths,  Waters  and  Environs.  Harrogate  as  a  Health  Resort 
(illus.).  Also  letter  from  William  Bennett,  Engineer  and  Super- 
intendent of  Wells  and  Baths,  September  25,  1896. 

Hartford  (Conn.). —  Letter  from  John  K.  Williams,  August  22,  1896. 

Hartwell,  Edward. —  Letter,  July  7,  1896,  on  date  of  introduction  of 
rain  baths  in  the  L^nited  States. 

Huddersfield  (England),  Borough  of. —  Public  Baths:  By-laws  and 
regulations,  1871.  Letter  from  F.  C.  Lloyd,  Town  Clerk,  re- 
garding Public  Baths,  January  21,  1895. 

Jersey  City  (N.  J.),  People's  Palace. —  Letter  from  J.  Lester  Wells, 
Secretary  People's  Palace,  August  26,  1896,  with  illustration  of 
swimming  tank  and  exterior  of  building. 

Jersey  (England),  Swinmiing  Club. —  Annual  Report,  26th  to  30th, 
1892-96,  and  programmes  of  29th  and  30th  animal  swimming 
matches,  1894-95;  rules  and  regulations. 


o^?Ml^ 


BlBLIOGRAl'IIY.  225 

Jersey  (England),  Swimming  Club. —  "  Jersey,"  by  Archibald  Sin- 
clair.   "  Swimming,"  January  i6,  1896. 

Jersey  (England),  Swimming  Club. —  Letters  from  A.  F,  Grellier, 
Hon.  Sec,  March  24  and  June  15,  1896;  with  manuscript  account 
of  the  club  since  its  formation. 

Jersey  (England),  Swimming  Club. —  Rules  and  regulations,  pro- 
grammes, application  and  entry  forms  for  competitors,  tide 
tables,  cuttings  from  "  Jersey  Times,"  August  19  and  20,  1895, 
and  January  23  and  March  7,  1896. 

Keith,  James,  C.  E. —  Patented  Systems  of  Heating  Water  (illus.); 
also  illustration  of  Stafford  Corporation  Baths,  with  method  of 
heating  Turkish  baths. 

Konigsberg  (Germany),  Magistrat  Koniglicher  Haupt-  und  Resi- 
denzstadt. —  Letter  and  matter  regarding  Public  Baths,  etc., 
December  4,  1895.    Rules,  price,  etc. 

Krakau  (Austria),  Magistrat  der  Haupstadt. —  Letter  concerning 
Public  Baths,  November  23,  1895. 

Laibach  (Austria). —  Letter  regarding  Public  Baths,  etc.,  December 
4,  1895. 

Leipzig  (Germany),  Rath  der  Stadt. —  Letter  and  matter  regarding 
Public  Baths,  etc.,  November  22,  1895.  Description  of  bathing- 
house  and  cost  of  erection,  receipts  and  expenditures;  also 
People's  Douche  Baths. 

Life-Saving  Society  (England). —  Annual  Reports  of  the  Central 
Executive  Committee,  1892-93  (with  prospectus  for  1894); 
1893-94  (with  prospectus  for  1895);  1894-95  (with  prospectus 
for  1896). 

Liverpool  (England),  Borough  of. —  Public  Baths  and  Washhouses, 
sundry  statistics,  1893;  scale  of  charges,  etc.;  also  reports  of  the 
Engineer  and  Chief  Superintendent  of  Baths  and  Washhouses, 
November  20,  1895,  and  January  15,  1896. 

London  (England),  County  Council. —  Returns  of  baths  and  wash- 
houses  in  the  County  of  London,  1848-88. 

London  (England),  "  Local  Government  Journal." —  Architecture, 
Building  and  Engineering.  New  Baths  and  Washhouses.  July 
30,  1892. 

:  15 


226  Mayor's  Committee  ox  Public  Baths. 

London  (England),  Schools  Swimming  Association. —  Report,  1895; 
Programme  of  Championship  Races  and  Entertainment,  Octo- 
ber 2,  1896;  circulars  of  same;  claim  for  first-class  certificates. 

London  (England),  Bethnal  Green,  Parish  of. —  Letter  from  Robert 
Voss,  Vestry  Clerk,  September  14,  1896. 

London  (England),  Bow,  Parish  of  St.  Mary,  Stratford. —  Report  of 
the  Commissioners  for  Public  Baths  and  Washhouses,  1894, 
1895,  1896. 

London  (England),  Chelsea,  Parish  of. —  Baths  and  Washhouses. 
Report,  38th,  1893-94;  pp.  19,  20,  40-43,  and  Report,  39th,  pp. 
44-48  and  182-185. 

London  (England),  Chelsea,  Parish  of. —  Letter  from  M.  T.  Holland, 
Vestry  Clerk,  January  20,  1S96,  regarding  the  work. 

London  (England),  City  of. —  Latrines.  Works  and  Proceedings  of 
the  Commissioners  of  Sewers;  p.  25;  1894. 

London  (England),  City  of. —  Specifications  for  underground  latrine 
in  Cannon  street;  also  letter  from  H.  Montague  Bates,  Principal 
Clerk  to  the  Commissioners  of  Sewers,  February  27,  1896. 

London  (England),  City  of. —  Underground  Latrines;  returns  pre- 
pared by  Clerk  and  Engineer,  by  order  of  Streets  Committee. 
1892  and  1893. 

London  (England),  City  of. —  Underground  L^rinals,  etc.  Returns 
prepared  by  the  Principal  Clerk  and  Engineer  by  order  of  the 
Streets  Committee;  from  the  first  opening  up  to  December  31, 
1889. 

London  (England),  Clerkenwell,  Parish  of  St.  James  and  St.  John. — 
Letter  from  R.  E.  Paget,  Vestry  Clerk,  September  9,  1896. 

London  (England),  Fulham,  Parish  of. —  Letter  from  J.  H.  Dense- 
low,  Clerk  to  the  Vestry,  January  24,  1896,  regarding  Public 
Baths  and  Lavatories. 

London  (England),  Greenwich,  S.  E. —  Letter  from  Alfred  Budds, 
Clerk  to  the  Commissioners,  September  9,  1896.  Also  accounts 
of  Commissioners  for  the  year  ending  March  25,  1896. 

London  (England),  Hackney,  Parish  of. —  Letter  from  George  Gro- 
cott,  Vestry  Clerk,  September  12,  1896. 


Bibliography.  227 

London  (England),  Hoxton  Schools  Swimming  Association. —  Bal- 
ance Sheet  for  1895,  and  circular  containing  rules  and  hints  on 
swimming. 
London  (England),  Islington,  Parish  of  St.  Mary. —  Description  of  a 
Visit  to  the  Baths.    Reprinted  from  "  London,"  April  18,  1895, 
with  illustrations. 
London  (England),  Islington,  Parish  of  St.  Mary. —  Letter  from 
William  F.  Dewey,  Vestry  Clerk,  regarding  public  baths  and 
lavatories,  January  2^,  1896,  and  letter  from  D.  McMonnies, 
Acting  Clerk,  September  9,  1896.     Public  Baths  and  Wash- 
houses:  Abstract  of  receipts  and  payments  of  the  Commission- 
ers, 1889-92,  1893-94.     Programme  of  the  opening  of  Public 
Baths,  1892  and  1895.    Leaflet  of  the  Plornsey  Road  Baths  and 
Public  Laundry. 
London  (England),  Islington,  Parish  of  St,  Mary. —  Public  Baths 
and  Washhouses.    Annual  Reports,  35th,  1891,  p.  66;  37th  1893, 
p.  62;  38th,  1894,  p.  9;  39th,  1895,  PP-  ix  S"d  Ixi. 
London  (England),  Islington,  Parish  of  St.  Mary. —  Urinals.    An- 
nual Report,  35th,  1891,  p.  51. 
London  (England),  Kensington,  Parish  of  St.  Mary  Abbotts. —  Let- 
ter from  Henry  E.  Mayfield,  Clerk  to  the  Commissioners,  Octo- 
ber 9,  1896.    Report  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Baths  and 
Washhouses  for  the  year  ending  March  25,  1896. 
London  (England),  Lewisham,  Parish  of. —  Public  Baths  and  Wash- 
houses;    Report   of   Commissioners,    1888;   Abstracts   of  Ac- 
counts,  1894  and   1896;  time  and  price  of  admission  to  the 
baths;   Report  of  Board  of  Works,  1893-94. 
London  (England),  Newington,  Parish  of  St.  Mary. —  Letter  from 

L.  J.  Dunham,  Vestry  Clerk,  February  14,  1896. 
London  (England),  Paddington,  Parish  of. — Report  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Public  Baths  and  Washhouses.    1891-92. 
London  (England),  Paddington,  Parish  of. — Report  of  the  Commis- 
sioners for  Public  Baths  and  Washhouses  for  the  year  ending 
March  31,  1896.    Annual  Report  of  the  Vestry,  June,  1896. 
London  (England),  Plumstead,  Parish  of. —  Letter  from  E.  Hughes, 
Town  Clerk,  September  9,  1896. 


228  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

London  (England),  Poplar,  Parish  of. —  Reports  from  the  Commis- 
sioners and  General  Abstracts  for  the  years  ending  March  23, 
1895,  and  March  28,  1896.  Also  letter  from  Joseph  S.  Freeman, 
Clerk  to  the  Baths  Committee,  September  22,  1896. 

London  (England),  Shoreditch,  Parish  of  St.  Leonard. —  Letter  from 
H.  Mansfield  Robinson,  LL.  D.,  Clerk  to  the  Baths  Commis- 
sioners, October  2,  1896;  also  Competition  for  the  Proposed 
New  Public  Baths  and  Library. 

London  (England),  St.  George,  Hanover  Square,  Parish  of. —  Public 
Conveniences;  leaflet  with  costs,  charges,  etc.,  January  14,  1894. 
Letter  from  G.  Livingston,  Surveyor,  regarding  Public  Lava- 
tories, where  first  erected,  number,  etc.,  February  2,  1896. 

London  (England),  St.  George,  Hanover  Square,  Parish  of. —  Report 
of  Commissioners  of  Baths  and  Washhouses  to  Vestry,  1894-95; 
also  Abstract  of  Accounts  of  same  year  and  letter  from  Louis  C. 
Mountstephen,  Clerk,  February  11,  1896,  regarding  their  Public 
Baths  (where  first  erected,  etc.). 

London  (England),  St.  George,  Hanover  Square,  Parish  of. —  Report 
of  the  Commissioners  for  Public  Baths  and  Washhouses,  on 
completion  of  new  baths  and  washhouses,  1890.  Also  Laws, 
Orders  and  Regulations  for  the  management  of  baths  and  wash- 
houses. 

London  (England),  St.  Giles  District  Board  of  Works. —  Circular  of 
Information  regarding  Public  Lavatory,  New  Oxford  street. 

London  (England),  St.  Giles  District  Board  of  Works. —  Letters 
regarding  Public  Baths  from  H.  C.  Jones,  Clerk  to  the  Board, 
January  20  and  September  11,  1896;  also  leaflet  on  Baths  and 
Washhouses. 

London  (England),  St.  Giles  District  Board  of  Works. —  Public 
Urinals.    Annual  Report,  1893,  p.  53. 

London  (England),  St.  Giles-in-the-Fields  and  St.  George,  Blooms- 
bury,  Parishes  of. —  Baths  and  Washhouses.  Lists  of  Joint 
.    Vestry,  etc.,  1894,  p.  16. 

London  (England),  St.  James,  Westminster,  Parish  of. —  Statement 
relating  to  Public  Ba-ths  and  Washhouses,  with  special  reference 
to  New  Swimming  Bath,  July,  1893.  Also  report  of  Commis- 
sioners, 1895. 


Bibliography.  229 

London  (Enp^land),  St.  Martin's-in-the-Ficlds,  Parish  of. —  Public 
Baths  and  Washhouscs;  Statement  of  Receipts  and  Expendi- 
tures. Annual  Report,  38th,  1893-4,  pp.  75-79. 
London  (England),  St.  Martin's-in-the-Fields,  Parish  of. —  Statement 
of  Receipts  and  Expenditures  by  Commissioners,  1893,  and 
schedule  of  laundry,  and  sample  tickets.  Letter  from  11.  Bald- 
win, Superintendent,  February  4,  1895,  with  information  regard- 
ing the  building  containing  the  laundry  and  baths. 

London  (England),  St.  Marylebone,  Parish  of. —  Public  Baths  and 
Washhouscs;  instructions  to  architects  for  rebuilding,  March  20, 
1894,  note  on  cost,  etc.;  also  letter  from  O.  L.  Marchant,  Clerk 
to  the  Baths  Committee,  September  9,  1896,  and  Abstract  of 
Cash  Received  and  Paid,  1895-96. 

London  (England),  Strand  District  Board  of  Works. —  Return 
showing  Public  Latrine  Accommodations  in  large  towns  and 
populous  districts  in  England,  etc.,  March,  1889. 

London  (England),  Westminster,  United  Parishes  of  St.  Margaret 
and  St.  John. —  Letter  concerning  Washhouscs  and  Swimming 
Baths  from  C.  Newman,  Superintendent  Westminster  Baths, 
March  7,  1896.  Rules  and  regulations,  notices,  returns,  classes, 
tickets,  etc. 

London  (England),  Westminster,  United  Parishes  of  St.  Margaret 
and  St.  John. —  Opening  of  the  New  Coroner's  Court,  Public 
Mortuary  and  Underground  Conveniences. 

London  (England),  Westminster,  United  Parishes  of  St.  Margaret 
and  St.  John. —  Westminster's  Progress;  the  largest  baths  in 
London,  etc.  Cutting  from  "  Morning  Leader,"  London,  Au- 
gust 22,  1893. 

London  (England),  Whitechapel,  Parish  of. —  Public  Baths  and 
Washhouscs,  1894  and  1895. 

London  (England),  Woolwich. —  An  expert  on  Woolwich  Baths. 
Cutting  from  "  Kentish  Independent,"  October  14,  1893. 

Lowell  (]\Iass.). —  Reference  to  Public  Baths.  Annual  Report,  18th, 
of  Board  of  Health,  pp.  34-39. 

Luton  (England),  Borough  of.— Abstract  of  Accounts,  1893-94. 
Baths  Account,  p.  4. 


2.^0  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

Luton  (England),  Borough  of. —  By-laws  for  the  management,  use 
and  regulation  of  Public  Baths.  See  By-Laws  of  the  Borough 
of  Luton,  1877-91,  p.  109. 

Madgeburg  (Germany),  Der  Magistrat  der  Stadt. —  Letter,  Novem- 
ber 22,  1895. 

Milan  (Italy),  IMunicipio  de. —  Letter  from  the  Mayor  regarding 
Baths  and  Lavatories,  February  24,  1896. 

Milwaukee  (Wis.). — Letters  from  Walter  Kempster,  M.  D.,  Com- 
missioner of  Health,  June  6,  1896,  and  Fred.  Schneider,  Secre- 
tary, Board  of  Public  Works,  June  9,  1896,  as  to  ]\Iilwaukee's 
bathing  facilities. 

Morris,  Moreau,  AL  D. — "  More  about  the  Public  Rain  Baths." 
"  Sanitarium,"  July,  1896. 

Munich  (Germany),  Der  rechtskiindigen  i.  Biirgermeister  der  Kgl. 
Haupt-  und  Residenzstadt. —  Letter  regarding  Public  Baths, 
December  i,  1895. 

National  Cash  Register  Co.,  Dayton  (Ohio). —  Letters  from  John  H. 
Patterson,  President,  September  12  and  23, 1896,  with  account  of 
bath  accommodation  provided  for  the  company's  employes. 

National  Swimming  Association  (England). —  Prospectus  for  1896. 

New  Orleans  (La.),  Morris  Public  Bath. —  Letter  from  James  R. 
Bowling,  Superintendent,  June,  1896,  and  cutting  from  "  The 
Daily  States,"  Monday,  May  21,  1896. 

Newport,  Mon.  (England),  County  Borough  of. —  Kane's  new  system 
of  Public  Baths,  with  descriptive  plan.  Baths  and  gymnasium, 
list  of  classes,  etc.,  1895-96.  Letters  from  James  Kane,  Super- 
intendent Public  Baths,  October  30,  1895,  and  August  22,  1896. 

New  York  City,  Commissioner  of  Public  Works. —  Rules  and  Regu- 
lations for  Public  Baths. 

New  York  City,  Committee  of  Fifty. —  Leaflets  in  English,  German, 
Italian  and  Yeddish,  "  What  Municipal  Reform  has  Done  for 
You,"  October  25,  1895. 

New  York  City. —  Deaths  by  Drowning  (Accident  and  Suicide), 
1893-95,  with  letter  from  President  Charles  Wilson  of  the  Board 
of  Health. 


Bibliography.  231 

New  York  City,  Fifth  Avenue  Swimming  School,  Bath  and  G)m- 
nasium. —  Letter  from  Proprietors,  Dr.  C.  A.  Bode  and  P.  J.  H. 
Daly,  card  of  invitation,  and  circulars  of  information. 

New  York  City  Tenement-house  Committee. —  Public  Baths,  Tene- 
ment-house Committee  Report.     Albany,  1894,  p.  47. 

New  York,  State  of. —  Petition  blank  to  Legislature  respecting  Pub- 
lic Lavatories. 

Nizza  Marittima  (Italy). —  L'Elettricita  applicata  al  Risanamento 
dcll'Abitato.    "  L'Ingegneria  Sanitaria,"  February,  1894. 

Otter  Swimming  Club  (St.  George's  Baths,  Buckingham  Palace 
Road,  London,  S.  W.). —  Letter  from  Charles  W.  Bland,  Hon. 
Secretary,  March  21,  1896.  Also  Diary  for  1895,  election  form, 
programme  of  annual  entertainment,  report  and  balance  sheet 
for  1894,  and  list  of  officers,  fixtures  and  rules  for  1895. 

Philadelphia. —  Letter  from  Henry  C.  Gill,  Acting  Secretary  to  the 
Mayor.  Number  of  baths  taken  in  the  summer  of  1S95  in  six 
city  baths.  Letter  from  Hazlehurst  &  Huckel,  architects  of 
]\Iodel  Bathhouse,  Second  and  Cumberland  streets,  October  3, 
1896,  with  description  of  bathhouse. 

Philadelphia  Public  Baths  Association. —  A  short  account  of  the 
Public  Baths  Association,  its  organization  and  objects,  charters 
and  by-laws,  1895. 

Philadelphia,  Public  Baths  Association. —  Public  Baths  of  Philadel- 
phia, by  Sarah  D.  Lowrie,  Sec.  of  Association.  "  The  Citizen," 
January,  1896,  pp.  249-251. 

Philadelphia,  Social  Science  Department  of  Civic  Club. —  Municipal 
Public  Baths,  report  by  Mrs.  Frances  Howard  Williams,  Decem- 
ber 15,  1895.    "The  Citizen,"  January,  1896,  pp.  251-252. 

Portsmouth  (England),  Swimming  Club. —  Programme  of  the  Nine- 
teenth Annual  Swimming  Festival,  August  5,  1895. 

Posen  (Germany). —  Anlage  eines  ofifentlichen  Brausebadcs  auf  dem 
neuen  Markte.  "  Bericht  iiber  die  Verwaltung  und  den  Stand 
der  Gemeinde-Angelagenheiten  in  der  Stadt  Posen,"  1894-95, 
p.  142. 

Posen  (Germany),  Magistrat  der  Provinzial-Hauptstadt. —  Letters 
regarding  Public  Baths,  etc.,  October  31,  1895,  and  January  21, 
1896. 


232  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

Providence  (R.  I.),  Narragansett  Machine  Co. —  Articles  on  Public 
Baths.    "  The  Gymnasium  "  for  August,  1890,  and  April,  1893. 

Providence  (R.  I.) — Reference  to  Public  Baths.  Inaugural  address 
of  Edwin  D.  McGuinness,  Mayor,  p.  15. 

Richmond  (England). —  Cost  of  building  and  maintenance  of  Public 
Baths. 

Roberts,  Prof.  Robert  J.,  Physical  Director,  Boston  Y.  M.  C.  A.  — 
Hints  on  Bathing  and  the  Roberts  Rain  Shower.  One  Hun- 
dred Health  Hints. 

Rome  (Italy). —  Specifications  of  Latrines  approved  by  the  Common 
Council  and  Provincial  Deputation,  1872. 

Salford  (England),  County  Borough  of. —  Diagram  of  Blackfriars 
Street  Baths,  showing  fluctuation  in  number  of  bathers.  Ap- 
pendix, pp.  24-25,  Annual  Report,  1892. 

Sheffield  (England),  City  of. —  Public  Baths  and  Washhouses.  Ab- 
stract of  Accounts,  March  25,  1895,  pp.  17-19. 

Sheffield  (England),  Town  Clerk's  Office. —  Letter  from  Mr.  Herbert 
Bramley,  Town  Clerk,  January  29,  1896. 

Strassburg  (Germany),  Biirgermeister-Amt  der  Stadt  Strassburg  i. 
Els, —  Letter  regarding  Public  Baths,  etc.,  February  i,  1896. 
Also  tickets  of  admission. 

Stuttgart  (Germany). —  Das  Schwimmbad,  vom  Kommerzienrat  Leo 
Velter;  ill.    "  Hygienischer  Fiihrer,"  pp.  191-200. 

Stuttgart  (Germany). —  Letter  and  matter  regarding  Public  Baths, 
Lavatories,  etc.,  from  the  Oberbiirgermeister,  November  4,  1895. 

Troppau  (Austria). —  Letter  on  Public  Baths  from  Dr.  Emil  Rocho- 
wanski,  February  18,  1896. 

Vacher,  Francis. —  Public  Baths  and  Cheap  Baths  for  the  People; 
two  papers  on  baths  provision  and  construction;  22  pp.;  ill. 
London,  1879. 

Vienna  (Austria). —  Oel  Pissoirs,  ohne  Wasserspiilung,  geruchlos. 
(An  account  of  the  oil  disinfection  system  of  Wilhelm  Beetz.) 

vWashington  (D.  C). —  Letter  from  W.  R.  Stevens,  Superintendent 
Bathing  Beach,  August  28,  1896. 

Worthing  (England). —  Description  of  proposed  alterations  to  the 
Municipal  Bath;  also  letter  from  Edward  J.  Dean,  forwarding 
same. 


BiBLiOGUAriiY.  233 

Yonkers  (N.  Y.). —  Letter  from  Hon.  S.  L.  Cooper,  Commissioner  of 
Public  Works,  November  3  and  December  11,  1896. 

York  (England),  City  of. —  Public  Baths.  "  Year  Book  of  General 
Information,"    1894-95,  pp.   123-126. 

PLANS,  DRAWINGS  AND  PHOTOGRAPHS. 

Altona  (Germany). —  Ground  plan,  section,  front  and  side  elevations 
of  Sternstrasse  baths.  , 

Berlin  (Germany). —  Elevations  and  ground  plans  of  (i)  convenience 
for  men  and  women ;  estimated  cost,  M. 5,000,  in  wood.  (2)  Con- 
veniences for  men  and  women;  estimated  cost,  M. 8,000,  in  iron. 
(3)  Rotunda  conveniences  for  men  and  women ;  water  arrange- 
ments shown.    (4)  Seven  compartment  urinal. 

Birmingham  (England). —  Ground  plans  of  the  five  public  ])aths;  also 
map  of  city  showing  the  position  of  the  baths. 

Boston  (Mass.). — Plan,  with  transverse  and  longitudinal  sections,  of 
bathhouse  for  men  and  boys,  sketched  by  George  R.  Tolman. 

Brighton  (England). —  Photographs  of  the  new  swimming  bath  and 
of  cottage  baths. 

Chemnitz  (Germany). —  Ground  plan  of  convenience  for  men  and 
.    women. 

Dresden  (Germany). —  Ground  plan,  section  and  elevations  of  a 
river  bath  in  the  Elbe  for  boys.  Ground  plan,  section  and  eleva- 
tions of  a  city  bath.  Elevation  and  plan  of  urinal  with  seven 
compartments. 

Frankfort-on-Main  (Germany). — Swimming  baths,  plan  of  basement, 
mezzanine  and  ground  floor,  longitudinal  and  transverse  sec- 
tions. Douche  bath,  elevation,  section,  basement  and  ground 
floor  plans. 

Graz  (Austria). —  Plans  and  sections  of  an  ordinary,  and  of  an  oc- 
tagonal urinal.  Also  elevation,  section  and  ground  plan  of  con- 
venience for  both  sexes. 

Hamburg  (Germany). —  Ground  plan,  section  and  details  of  erection 
of  casement  urinal  on  the  Hop  Market,  1889;  elevations,  plans 
and  sections  of  a  projected  urinal  on  the  landing  place  at  the 
Hohenfelder  Bucht,  1891;  of  another  projected  urinal  on  the 
landing  place  near  the  Kuhmiihlc,  1891,  and  of  a  urinal  on  the 
Graskellerbriicke,  1893. 


234  Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths. 

Jersey  (England),  Swimming  Club. —  Photograph  of  Havre-des-Pas 
bathing  establishment. 

Konigsberg  (Germany). —  Basement  and  ground  plans  and  longi- 
tudinal sections  of  municipal  douche  baths,  1895. 

Krakau  (Austria). —  Elevation  and  ground  plan  of  convenience  for 
men  and  women  on  the  Sudplatz. 

London  (England),  City  of. —  Plans  of  underground  convenience  at 
Cannon  street  for  men  and  women. 

London  (England),  Deptford. —  Elevation,  ground  and  first  floor 
plans  of  Public  Baths,  Washhouses  and  Municipal  Offices. 

London  (England),  Greenwich,  S.  E. —  Photographs  of  exterior  of 
baths  and  of  second-class  swimming  bath. 

London  (England),  Hackney. —  Photograph  of  exterior  of  baths. 

London  (England),  Islington,  Parish  of  St.  Mary. —  Ten  photo- 
graphs of  Hornsey  Road  Baths,  showing  swimming  baths,  pri- 
vate baths,  washhouses,  entrance,  etc.,  and  one  showing  first- 
class  men's  swimming  baths. 

London  (England),  Newangton,  Parish  of  St  Mary. —  Plan  and  pro- 
cess reproduction  of  front  elevation  of  public  baths  and  wash- 
houses. 

London  (England),  Shoreditch,  Parish  of  St.  Leonard. —  First  pre- 
miated  design  for  proposed  new  Public  Baths  and  Library,  show- 
ing elevations  and  ground  plans. 

London  (England),  St.  Giles  District  Board  of  Works. —  Plan  of 
underground  convenience  for  men  and  women  at  Tottenham 
Court  Road. 

London  (England),  St.  Martin's-in-the-Fields,  Parish  of. —  Plan  of 
refuge  and  underground  convenience  with  sections. 

London  (England),  Westminster,  United  Parishes  of  St.  jNIargaret 
and  St.  John. —  First  and  second-class  swimming  baths,  exterior 
of  baths  and  portrait  of  Charles  Newman,  Superintendent. 

Munich  (Germany). —  Plans,  sections  and  elevations  of  people's 
douche  baths  (octagonal)  on  the  Bavaria  Ring;  and  of  two 
other  douche  baths,  one  octagonal.  Elevation  and  plan  of  uri- 
nal, seven-compartment.  Elevations,  sections  and  plans  of  two 
public  conveniences  for  men  and  women. 


Bibliography.  235 

Newport,  Mon.  (England). —  Photographs  of  swimming  bath, 
bathers  and  gymnasium. 

Plans  and  elevations  of  ladies'  chalet,  combining  shop  and  lavatory. 

Posen  (Germany). —  Plans,  elevations  and  section  of  proposed  octa- 
gonal people's  douche  bath.  Plans,  elevation  and  sections  of 
conveniences  for  men  and  women,  two  in  1890,  one  in  1892  and 
one  on  the  old  market  place.  Plan  of  urinal  on  the  Sapielsa- 
Platz. 

Providence  (R.  I.),  Narragansett  Machine  Co. —  Plan  of  Gymnasium, 
showing  arrangement  of  bath. 

Rome  (Italy). —  Plans  and  elevations  of  six  types  of  urinal,  and  of  a 
latrine  approved  by  the  Council  of  Hygiene. 

Strassburg  (Germany). —  Proposed  people's  douche  baths,  to  cost 
M.29,000;  plans,  elevations  and  sections.  Also  plans,  elevations 
and  sections  of  people's  baths  on  the  Academie-Platz;  cost 
M.35,000. 

.Worthing  (England). —  Basement  and  ground  plan  of  Worthing 
Public  Bath,  as  in  1896,  and  with  proposed  alterations. 

Yonkers  (N.  Y.), —  Elevations  of  public  baths  on  Vark  and  Jefferson 
streets  and  in  rear,  plans  of  living  rooms,  first  story  and  cellar, 
longitudinal  and  cross  sections. 


INDEX. 


Accominotlation  iu  proposed  bath  100x50,  200;  of  proposed  bath  In  Tomp- 
i     kius  Square,  109. 

Aldermen,  Board  of,  given  power  to  grant  permits  for  newspaper  stands, 
182. 

Altona,  chalets  for  ladles,  193;  school  baths  at,  74, 

Amateur,  defiuitiou  of,  61;  Swluiming  Association,  Gl;  Swimming  Associa- 
tion, Southern  Counties,  GO. 

Andrews,  A.  D.,  Commissioner  Police  Department,  letter  from,  181. 

Association  for  Improving  the  Condition  of  the  Poor,  G9;  baths  of,  33,  47; 
co-operation  of  11;  erects  bathliouse,  9. 

Astor,  John  Jacob,  on  ISGG  Committee  of  Sanitary  Inquiry,  174. 

Astor  Place  convenience,  cai"e  of,  transfeiTed  to  Public  Worlis  Depart- 
ment, 176;  public  comfort  station,  175.  t 

Augustus,  age  of,  public  baths,  10. 

Austrian  conveniences,  197. 

Baruch,  Dr.  Simon,  69. 

Bates,  II.  Montague,  Principal  Clerk  to  the  Commissioners  of  Sewers  of 
the  City  of  London,  11. 

Bathers,  number  of,  at  floating  baths,  46. 

Bathhouse  Commissioners,  Municipal,  38. 

Bathing  and  Washing  Association,  People's,  33;  Association,  Metropolitan, 
of  the  City  of  New  York,  34;  habit  growing,  24. 

Bath  Legislation  regarding  New  York  City,  33. 

Baths  and  Comfort  Stations,  organization  of  Mayor's  Committee  on,  27. 

Baths  and  Washhouses  Act,  England,  33;  floating,  66;  floating,  author- 
ized, 34;  floating,  cost  of,  35;  floating,  first  two  erected,  34;  floating, 
location  of,  45;  floating,  number  of  bathers,  46;  floating,  I'egulations 
of,  45;  number  of  persons  having  access  to,  22;  per  family  in  the  Fif- 
teenth Assembly  District,  24;  provision  for,  inadequate  in  American 
cities,  85;  public,  should  be  paid  for,  199;  slipper,  57. 

Belmont,  August,  on  1866  Committee  of  Sanitai-y  Inquirj',  174. 

Berlin,  Germany,  city  public  baths,  128;  cost  of  water  at  Moabit  baths, 
I  133;  douclie  baths  at  public  baths,  142;  Moabit  baths,  133;  number  of 
bathers  at  city  public  baths,  134;  number  of  river  bathers,  129;  origi- 
nal outlay  on  city  public  baths,  132;  public  baths,  128;  public  laun- 
dries, 164;  receipts  and  expenditures  at  river  baths,  128,  129;  receipts 
and  working  expenditure  of  city  public  baths,  132;  river  baths,  129; 
scale  of  charges  at  river  bath,  130;  Schillingsbrucke  baths,  135; 
Society  for  People's  Baths,  138;  Swimming  League,  134;  urinals  and 
conveniences,  193. 


238  Index. 

Bibliography,  219.  i      ~'l 

Bill  giving  monopoly  of  public  conveniences,  182;  to  make  public  con- 
veniences mandatory,  177, 

Billings,  E.,  on  Boston  Bath  Committee,  79. 

Birmingham,  England,  attendance  of  bathers,  85;  baths,  rules  and  regula- 
I  tions,  128;  cost  of  baths,  86;  public  baths,  85;  public  conveniences  for 
women,  191;  receipts  and  expenditures  of  public  baths,  86,  87;  scale  of 
.    charges.  92;  Turkish  bath,  149. 

Blomfield  House  Swimming  Club,  63. 

Board  of  Aldermen  given  power  to  grant  permits  for  newspaper  stands, 
182. 

Board  of  Commissiioners  of  Public  Parks  requested  to  co-operate  with 
Mayor's  Committee,  215 

Board  of  Estimate  and  Apportionment,  217;  and  bath  aiypropriation,  38; 
and  Mayor's  Committee,  169;  and  public  baths,  39. 

Board  of  Health,  205;  and  life-saving  apparatus,  56;  and  public  baths,  34, 
38;  approves  plans  for  bathhouse,  10,  80;  approves  public  comfort  sta- 
tions, 10,  215;  demands  increase  of  urinals,  177;  Metropolitan,  and 
public  urinals,  174;  Metropolitan,  engineer  reports  on  urinals,  174; 
pleads  for  establishment  of  free  public  baths  and  washhouses,  34; 
recommends  warm  baths,  35;  reports  universal  patronage  of  free 
baths,  34;  requests  plans  for  public  conveniences,  215;  to  determine 
number  of  public  baths,  199. 

Bootle  baths,  how  managed,  149. 

Boston,  Bath  Committee  appointed,  10;  baths  in  public  school,  74;  Charles- 
bank  Gymnasium,  free  baths  ajt,  79;  public  baths,  35,  78;  Y.  M.  C.  A. 
Gymnasium  shower  bath,  69. 

Bradford  baths,  how  managed,  149;  swimming  club,  64;  Turkish  bath,  149; 
urinals,  192. 

Brighton,  lavatories,  receipts  and  expenses,  192. 

Brookfield,  William,  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  46. 

Brookline  public  bath,  80. 

Brooklyn,  baths  first  authorized,  36. 

Brunswick,  school  baths  at,  74;  urinals  and  conveniences,  194. 

Bryant,  Sanitary  Insijector,  .T.  D.  (1873),  36. 

Buffalo,  municipal  baths,  78. 

"Bureau  of  Public  Comfort,"  31. 

Burnley  baths,  how  managed,  149;  conveniences,  192;  swimming  clubs,  64. 

Burns,  Charles  De  F.,  Secretary  Depai'tment  of  Public  Pai'ks,  letter  from, 
,    177. 

Cady,  Berg  &  See,  architects  and  engineers,  10,  199,  216;  architects  of 
Mayor's  CommLttee,  198,  204;  prepare  plans  for  baths,  204;  requested 
to  prepare  drawings  of  public  comfort  sfta/tious,  216. 

Cady,  J.  C.  &  Co.,  architects,  29. 

Capacity  of  batlis  on  site  100x50,  planned  by  the  Mayor's  Committee,  200. 

Carlisle  and  Washingrton  streets,  vicinity  recommended  for  public  bath, 
29,  199. 


Index.  239 

Carlsrulie,  school  baths  at,  73. 

Caution  money  from  washers,  165,  166. 

Char},'«'s  for  baths  in  England,  1G6. 

Charit'itvs  !uul  Correct  ions,   I'rcsldent  of  the  Department  of.  a  Municipal 

Bathhouse  Commissioner,  38. 
Oharli'sbank  Gymnasium,  Boston,  free  baths  at,  79. 
Chatham  Square,  vicinity  recommended  for  public  bath,  29,  199. 
Oheiiinitz  baths,  103;  conveniences,  195. 
Chicago,   Carter  H.   Harrison,   bath,   83;  Douglas  Park  Natatorium  and 

Gymnasium,  83;  Municipal  Order  League,  82;  swimming  bath,  66. 
Ciholera  affects  use  of  Hamburg  baths,  140;  as  affecting  bath  water,  143. 
Citizens'  Association  of  New  York,  174. 
Oi'ty  and  Suburban  Homes  Company,  25. 
City  Hall  Tark,  as  site  for  uudergi-ound  public  comfort  stations,  10,  205, 

213,  217;  public  urinal,  174. 
City  Vigilance  League  pe<titions  for  public  conveniences,  177. 
Civil  Service  examinations  favored  by  Committee  of  Seventy,  27. 
Clarence  Swimming  Club,  63. 
Clark,  Emmons,  Secretary  of  the  Health  Department,  letters  from,  200, 

215. 
Classes,  different,  in  baths.  161. 
Clubs,  swimming,  60. 

CoUis,  Gen.  C.  H.  T.,  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  approves  plans  for 
public  baths  in  Tompkins  Square,  10;  confers  with  Mayor's  Commit- 

,    (tee,  204,  217. 
Comfort  stations,  should  be  partly  free,  31. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Parks,  and  structures  for  public  comfort,  42. 
Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  41;  and  public  baths,  41,  45;  confers  with 

Mayor's  Committee,  204,  216;  in  charge  of  public  conveniauce,  176. 
Commissioners  of  Sewers  of  City  of  London,  report  on  public  conveniences, 

I    211. 
Committee  of  Seventy,  disbandment,  31;  expresses  appreciation  of  Sub- 

I     Committee's  situdy,  31;  genesis  of,  27;  nominates  committee  of  five, 
28;  organization  of  Sub-Committee,  28;  platform  of,  27. 
Common  Council  to  i*egulate  use  of  floating  baths,  35. 
Company  for  Hygienic  Purposes,  Dresden,  195;  Hamburg,  195. 
Comparison  of  attendance  at  swimming  and  slipper  baths,  England,  57. 
Competitions,  swimming,  62. 
Comptroller  and  bath  appropriation,  43;  moves  to  refer  plans  of  comfort 

stations  to  Park  Department,  217. 
Cooper,  Hon.  S.  L.,  Commissioner  of  Public  Works,  Yonkers,  77. 
Coventry,  England,  public  baths,  157. 
Cox,  Job,  Superintendent  and  Engineer  of  the  Baths  Department,  City  of 

Birmingham,  11. 
Cracow,  no  conveniences,  197. 
Croton  Aqueduct  Department,  176;  and  public  urinal,  175. 


240  Indkx. 

Oroydon,  expenses  of  urinals,  192. 

Death  rate  affected  by  lack  of  public  conveniences,  174. 

De  Fo.«isez,  Alexander,  and  public  conveniences,  1S2;  bill,  183. 

De  Milt  Dispensary,  baths  of  the,  53. 

Department  of  Docks  and  location  of  baths,  45;  public  conveniences,  174; 
to  assign  locatiou  of  baths,  35. 

Department  of  Public  Charities,  baths  at,  53. 

Department  of  Public  Parks  and  site  for  bath,  43;  and  structures  for  pub- 
lic comfort,  42;  erects  urinals  in  city  parks,  174;  provision  of  public 
conveniences,  175. 

Department  of  Public  Works,  36;  to  control  floating  baths,  36;  to  take 
charge  of  Astor  Place  convenience,  177. 

Design  of  proposed  bath  on  site  100x50,  204;  public  convenience,  217; 
iTompkins  Square  proposed  baths,  169. 

Docks  and  water  fronts,  improvement  of,  favored  by  Committee  of  Sev- 
enty, 28;  life-saving  apparatus  at,  50;  Department  of,  and  location  of 
baths,  45;  and  public  conveniences,  177;  location  of  baths,  30. 

Dolphin  Svrimming  Club,  Bradford,  63. 

Douche  baths  at  Hamburg,  143. 

Douches  provided  at  swimming  baths,  58.  i 

Dresden,  Company  for  Hygienic  Purposes,  195;  public  conveniences,  195. 

Drexel,  Joseph  O.,  of  Tenement  House  Commission  of  1884,  21. 

Drinking  fountains  recommended  by  Tenement  House  Committee  of  1S94, 
24. 

Drowning,  lives  lost  in  New  York  City  in  '93-'95,  56. 

Drying  by  hot  air  in  motion,  165. 

Dunkirk,  movement  for  public  baths,  79. 

EJasterbrook,  William  P.,  of  Tenement  House  Commission  of  1884,  21. 

East  River,  location  for  floating  bath,  36,  37. 

East  Side  Park,  location  for  bath,  43. 

Economy  Inspection,  Leipzig,  196. 

Edinburgh,  Scotland,  charges  for  swimming  lessons,  59;  public  bath,  124; 
scale  of  charges,  124;  washhouses,  165. 

Eisenhower,  Chief,  of  the  Philadelphia  Bureau  of  City  Property,  67. 

Elections,  separation  of  State  and  Municipal,  favored  by  the  Committee 
:    of  Seventy,  28. 

Eleventh  Avenue  and  Fifty-eighth  Street,  vicinity  recommended  for  pub- 
lic bath,  30,  199. 

Emergency  and  Hygiene  Association,  Massachusetts,  maintains  Charles- 
bank  Gymnasium,  79. 

England,  charges  for  baths,  101;  different  classes  of  baths,  161;  Docal 
Government  Board  and  public  bath  loans,  149;  provides  public  urinals, 
183;  public  bath  legislation,  149;  the  shower  bath,  70. 

English  Baths  and  Washliouses  Act,  33,  57,  148. 

Essex  Market,  vicinity  recommended  foir  public  bath,  29,  199. 

Estimate  and  ApiK>rtioniiu'nt.  Board  of,  217;  and  bath  appropriation,  38; 
and  Mayoi-'s  Committee,  204;  and  public  baths,  38. 


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Index. 


241 


European  mcKlols  of  baths,  200. 

Fauix?,  John  P.,  Socrotary  of  Conmiititoc  of  Sovoutj',  ami  of  St.  John's 
(liiilcl,  28;  seleet.s  Sub-Conimittof  on  Baths  and  I>avatories,  29. 

I'\'tU>ra.tion  of  Ohurehos  and  Christian  Worlvoi-s  in  New  York  City,  24; 
rent  statistics  of,  2~). 

Fiftc^Mitli  Assembly  District,  li.iths  ])cr  f;iiiiily  in,  21;  parlvs  urf,'<'Utiy  iwhhI- 
ed,  25;  public  bat  lis  and  lavatories  urgently  demanded  in,  25;  rent  per 
vooni  ill,  2(^. 

I'Mftii  ^\■a^l,  floating  bath  to  be  located  in,  37. 

Kifty-eishth  StreeL  and  Eleventh  Avenue,  vicinity  recommended  for  pub- 
lic bath,  20.  109. 

I'ish.  Haniliion.  on  Committee  of  Sanitary  Inquiry,  174. 

I-'loatin.i,'  Ilosnital,  St.  John's  Guild,  baths  of  the,  53. 

I'cnvler.  Commissioner  George  B.,  of  the  Health  Department,  215. 

l-'rankfort-on-^Iain  batlis,  143. 

l''i'tM>  public  bat  lis  an  imi>erative  necessity  in  New  York,  13. 

Gejrenstrom  bath  fixtures,  75;  system  of  heating  water,  202,  208. 

German  baths,  how  managed,  IfiS;  conveniences,  model  for  Austrian,  197; 
system  of  heating  v.aicr,  202,  208. 

(Jerniany,  public  conveuieuces,  193;  spray  bath  in,  70. 

Gildn",  Richard  ^^'atson,  Chairman  Tenement  House  Committee  of  1894, 
1894,  22. 

(Jlasgtvw  Scotland,  deticit  provided  from  assessments,  128;  number  of 
bathers  and  washers,  127;  public  baths,  125;  receipts  and  expendi- 
'tures  at  baths,  127;  scale  of  charges  at  baths,  127;  temperature  as 
affecting  receipts  at  baths,  128;  washliouses,  125. 

(I'othenburg,  average  oi>erating  expenses  of  baiths,  145;  batihs,  how  man- 
aged. 1G3;  cost  of  public  baths,  144;  Majorna  baths,  number  of  bathers, 
147:  public  baths,  110;  receipts  and  operating  expens<^s  of  public  baths, 
144,  145;  Kenstromska  Badansitalten,  number  of  bathers,  140;  urinals 
and  conveniences,  197. 

Giottiiugen,  baths  in  the  public  schools,  71. 

(xraz,  Austria,  public  conveniences,  197. 

Greeley  Square  as  site  for  underground  public  comfort  station,  10.  204,  217. 

Hamburg,  (iermany,  baths,  how  managed,  103;  cholera  affects  use  of 
baths,  140;  Company  for  Hygienic  Purposes,  195;  Eimsbuttel  baths,  141; 
Patriotic  Society,  139;  receipts  and  expenses  of  baths,  141;  river  baths, 
139;  scale  of  charges  at  baths,  142;  Schaarmarkt  baths,  140;  Schweine- 
'  niarkt  baths,  139;  St.  Fauli  douche  baths.  142,  143;  swimming  batJis 
at,  81;  temperature  of  baths,  142;  urinals  and  conveniences,  195;  water 
boiled  on  account  of  cholera,  143. 

Hamilton,  William  Gaston,  11;  Vice-President  of  the  Association  for  Im- 
proving the  Condition  of  the  Poor,  29;  Chairman  Sub-Committee  on 
Baths  and  Davatoi-ies,  29;  Chairman  Mayor's  Committee  on  Baths 
and  Comfort  Stations.  32.  19S. 

Harrison  Carter  H.,  Bath  of  Chicago,  83, 
16 


242  Index. 

HaptwcLI,  I>r.  lO.  M.,  Director  of  physical  training  in  the  Boston  public 
scliools,  79,  80,  81. 

Ilavro-des-Pas,  Joi-sey,  bathinj^  cstablishmout,  Gi. 

Health,  Board  of,  216;  and  life-saving  apparatus,  56;  and  public  baths,  34; 
approves  plans  of  Mayor's  Committee,  200,  214;  demands  increase 
of  urinals,  177;  pleads  for  csitahlishmeul;  of  free  public  baths  and 
waslihouses,  34;  recommends  warm  baths,  35;  repoi-ts  universal 
'l>atrouage  of  five  baths,  35;  requests  plans  for  public  conveniences, 
214;  to  determine  number  of  public  baths,  199. 

Healtli  Department  approves  plans  of  ISIayor's  Committee,  214;  letter  from, 
200;  reports  on  batlis  in  lodging-houses,  17. 

Health,  Metropolitan  Board  of.  and  public  urinals,  174;  engineer  reports  on 
•    public  urinals,  174.  ! 

Health  Daws,  thoroughness  recommended  by  Committee  of  Seventy,  28. 

Heating  and  ventilating  proposed  bath  100x50,  203;  Tompliins  Square  pro- 
posed bath,  208. 

Hebrew  Sheltering  Orphan  Asylum,  baths  in,  30. 

Hedges,  Job  E.,  letter  from,  31. 

Ilemenway  Gymnasium,  Harvard  Universilty,  shower  room,  69. 

Hicks,  Coroner,  of  London,  60. 

Hirsch,  Bai"on  de.  Fund  Baths,  52. 

Hodgman,  Abbott,  of  Tenement  House  Commission  of  1884,  21. 

Home  rule  and  public  conveniences,  182. 

Houston,  Dr.  Edwin  J.,  President  of  the  National  Swimming  Associa- 
tion, 67. 

Hudson  River,  location  for  floating  bath,  37. 

Humane  Society,  care  for  cases  of  drowning,  56. 

.Taffray,  Edward  S..  on  1866  Committee  of  Sanitary  Imiuiry,  174. 

Jersey  Swimming  Club,  64,  65. 

Kehew,  Mrs.  M.  M.,  on  Boston  Bath  Committee,  79. 

King,  David  H.,  Jr.,  29. 

Kiosks  as  public  conveniences,  182. 

La  CoUette  bathing  place,  Jersey,  65. 

Laibach,  Austria,  urinals  and  conveniences,  197. 

Lassar,  Prof.,  136. 

Laundries,  how  administerod,  164;  scale  of  charges,  166. 

Laundry  in  proposed  bath,  100x50,  202;  in  i>roiX)sed  bath  in  I'oinpkins 
Square,  210;  money-taker's  daily  account.  171;  municipal,  advantages 
of,  172. 

Lavatories,  cliarges  made,  24;  in  foreign  cities,  24;  public.  riToinniended 
l)y  Tenement  House  Coniiiiittee  of  1894,  24;  urgently  demanded  in  Fif- 
teenth Assembly  District,  24. 

Leary,  William,  Secivtary  Department  of  Public  Parks,  letter  Intm.  17S. 

Ty«'gisla.tion,  bath,  regarding  New  York  City,  33;  on  public  batlis,  10;  on 

public  conveniences,  176. 
r.(  !.'lslntui-e,  petitioned  for  public  conveniences,  177, 


Index.  248 

Leipzig,  Ueruiauy,  coiiveulenices,  IDtJ;  Efoiiuniy  Inspcctiou,  UMI;  urinals 
aud  eon  veil  ieuces,  196. 

Letter  carriers  affocte<l  by  lack  of  public  conveniences,  180,  181. 

Life-savinj;  apparatus  at  docks.  uG;  demonstration,  63;  Newman's  method, 
156;  Society,  60.  , 

Liverpool,  England,  Burroughs  Garden  washhouse,  165;  cost  and  accom- 
modation of  batiliing  t'stabHslim«  nts.  i)~y;  Frederick  Street  wiush house, 
IGo;  free  open  air  swimming  bath,  96;  Lodge  Lane  washhouse,  165; 
number  of  bathers  during  the  year  1895,  94;  public  baths,  91;  receipts 
and  expenditures  of  baths  for  1895,  96;  St.  George,  baths,  148;  wash- 
houses,  IW;  washhouse  charges,  166;  washhouses,  number  using,  172; 
wasMiouses,  rules  and  regulations,  169. 

Loans  for  public  baths  in  England,  149. 

Lodging-house  of  Department  of  Public  Charities,  baths  at,  53;  patrons, 
majority  dirty  and  unclean,  17. 

Lotlging-houses,  baths  in,  17;  baths  in,  reasons  for  not  using,  20. 

London,  England,  Association  for  Promoting  Cleanliness  Among  the  Peor 
pie,  148;  baths,  deficit,  how  paid,  151;  baths,  how  managed,  149;  baths 
in  George  Street,  Euston  S<iuare,  148;  Bishop  of  (1846),  and  public 
baths,  148:  Lord  Mayor  and  public  baths,  148;  municipal  baths  in 
1892,  14;  New  River  Water  Company  and  public  baths,  148;  particu- 
lars of  baths  aud  washhouses  in  operation,  98;  public  conveniences, 
183;  Public  Health  Act,  184;  School  Board  encourages  swimming,  59; 
Schools  Swimming  Association,  59;  Schools  Swimming  Association 
demonstrates  life-saving  methods,  62;  veiy  cheap  baths  in  the  poorer 
quarters,  21;  Vestries  aud  public  baths,  149. 
London,  England:  I 

Battersea  public  baths,  60. 

Bow,  number  of  bathers,  100;  public  baths,  99;  working  expenses  and 
receipts  of  public  baths,  100. 

Chelsea,  public  baths,  101;  public  conveniences,  187;  receipts  and  ex- 
penditures of  public  baths,  101;  receipts  and  expenses  of  public  con- 
veniences, 187. 

City,  Commissioners  of  Sewei-s'  report  on  public  conveniences,  212;  public 
conveniences,  212;  underground  latrines,  211. 

Greenwich  public  baths,  102. 

Islington,  charges  at  public  baths,  105;  expenses  of  public  urinals,  152; 
Hornsey  Road  bath,  64;  Hornsey  Road  washhouse,  164;  loans  for 
baths,  150;  loans  for  public  conveniences,  187;  number  of  bathers. 
1893-5,  105;  number  of  washers,  1894  and  1895,  105;  original  cost  of 
public  baths,  103;  public  baths,  103;  receipts  and  payments  of  public 
conveniences,  186;  underground  conveniences,  183;  working  expenses 
and  receipts  of  baths,  1894-5,  104. 

Kensington,  charges  at  public  baths,  106;  laundry,  106;  number  of  bathers. 
1892-6,  108;  receipts  and  expenses  of  public  baths,  1895-96,  107. 

Lewisham,  number  of  bathers,  1895-96,  110;  public  baths,  108;  receipt'^ 
and  expenses  for  189&-6,  109;  scale  of  charges,  110. 


244  Index. 

Marylebono  iniblic  baths,  110.  i 

I'atldinston.  iiuinbor  of  bathers  and  washers,  112;  public  baths,  112;  re- 
ceipts and  expenditures  for  1805-96,  111.  112;  Turliish  baths,  149. 

Poplar,  number  of  batliers  and  washers.  113;  public  batlis,  112;  receipts 
and  expenditures  for  1894-9G,  113. 

Shoreditch,  public  conveniences,  191. 

St.  George,  Hanover  Square,  Buckingham  Palace  Road  baths.  62;  number 
of  bathers  and  washers,  1893-5,  115;  public  baths.  114;  public  con- 
veniences, 188;  receipts  and  expenses  for  1S94-5,  114;  scale  of  charges, 
115.  ■  I    I 

St.  Giles-in-the-Fields  and  St.  George,  Bloomsbury,  number  of  bathers 
and  washers.  1893-4.  116;  public  baths.  115;  public  conveniences.  155; 
receipts  and  expenses  for  1893-4,  115,  116;  scale  of  charges.  116. 

St.  James,  Westminster,  laundry  statistics,  117;  number  of  bathers,  1893 
and  1894,  119,  120;  public  baths.  117,  151;  receipts  and  working  ex- 
penses, 1893  and  1894.  119;  scale  of  charges,  119;  washhouse,  KiO. 

St.  ]\Iartin-in-the-Fields,  public  baths,  115;  public  conveniences,  1.56;  re- 
ceipts and  expenses  for  1893,  115,  116. 

St.  Pancras,  Fitzmy  baths,  63. 

Strand  District  Board  of  Works,  public  conveniences,  191. 

Westminster,  application  for  special  ticket  book,  162;  certificate  of  pro 
ticiency  in  swimming,  155;  public  baths,  60,  63,  121;  rules  and  regu- 
lations for  bathers,  154;  rules  and  regulations  for  washers,  136;  scalb 
of  charges,  122;  special  ticket  holders,  155;  washer's  ticket,  172;  wash- 
house  charges,  167;  water  chute,  155. 

Whitechapel,  number  of  bathers  and  washers.  123;  public  baths,  122,  148; 
receipts  and  expenses  of  public  batlis,   123,   124. 

Lowe,  Dr.  Julia,  of  Chicago,  82. 

Marshall,  Edward,  Secretary  Tenement  House  Committee  of  1894.  22. 

Massachusetts  Eanergency  and  Hygiene  Association,  maintains  Charles 
bank  Gymnasium,  79. 

Massachusetts  public  bath  laws.  80. 

Mayor  of  New  York,  a  Municipal  Baithhouse  Commissioner,  38. 

Mayor's  Committee  on  Public  Baths  and  Public  Comfort  Stations,  con- 
fers with  Commissioner  of  Public  Works.  204;  reorganization  of.  32; 
prepares  plans  for  comfort  stations,  214;  report  delayed.  13;  requested 
to  submit  plans  for  baths,  198. 

Metropolitan  Bathing  Association  in  the  City  of  New  York,  34. 

Metropolitan  Board  of  Health  and  public  urinals.  174;  reports  on  public 
urinals,  175. 

Meyer,  Chief  Engineer  Andreas,  of  Hamburg,   11. 

Mdan,  public  comfort  stations,  197. 

Minturn,  the  late  Robert  B..  and  jiulilic  bath.s,  34. 

Morris.  Moreau  M.  D..  11;  Medical  Inspector.  ex-Tenement  House  Commis- 
sioner (1884),  29;  Secretary  of  Tenement  House  Commission  of  1884. 
21;  Vice-Chairman  Mayor's  Committee  on  Baths  and  Comfort  Sta- 
tions, 32,  198. 


Index.  245 

Morris.  Saiiit.ir.v   Inspector  Stuyvosjint.  F.  (IS?:'.).  :?<i. 

Molt  Slri'«'t,  batliiiip:  institution  in.  33. 

Munich,  school  l)aths,  al.  7:;:  uiiii.ils  and  conveniences.  l'.t<;. 

Municipal  IJathhouse  Coniniissioncrs,  3.S. 

Municipal  hathini.' estahlishnients  recoinmcnded  li.v  'lenenient  IIous«'  Coni- 
niltii'e  of  IS'.M.  24;  laundry,   advantages  of.   172. 

.\lunicipal  Order  League  of  ''liicnpro.  82. 

Myers.  M.  W.,  on  Boston  Bath  Coniinittcc,  79. 

National  Swiinniinfj  Association.  fi7. 

Newark.  N.  J.,  public  bath,  84. 

Newman.  Cliarh's.  Superintendent  Westminster  baths.  London.  00. 

New  York  City  behind  European  cities  in  provision  of  public  baths,  13; 
Iwilhs  in  public  schools,  75;  number  of  persons  compelletl  to  use  the 
same  water-closet  or  privy,  17;  number  of  persons  to  a  bathroom,  17; 
public  baths  of,  45;  slums,  baths  in,  16;  the  first  spray  bath,  9. 

New  York  Juvenile  Asylum,  69. 

Noonan.  Alderman.  intro<luces  resolution  on  public  conveniences,  183. 

Xovice,  dc>finition  of,  61. 

O'Donohue,  .Joseph,  of  Tenement  House  Commission  of  1884,  21. 

Oil  closure  system  for  urinals,  193,  194,  195,  196.  197. 

One  Hundred  and  Tenth  Street  and  Second  Avenue,  vicinity  recommended 
for  public  bath,  29,  199. 

Ottendorfer,  Oswald,  of  Tenement  House  Commission  of  1884.  21. 

Otter  Swimming  Club,  London,  62.  63. 

Park.  East  Side,  location  for  bath,  43;  public,  as  location  for  baths  man- 
datory, 210. 

Parks.  Board  of  Commissioners  of  Public,  requested  to  confer  with 
Mayor's  Committee,  215. 

Parks,  city,  area  in  acres,  179;  small,  favored  by  the  Committee  of 
Seventy,  28;  urgently  needed  in  Fifteenth  Assembly  District,  24. 

Parks,  Commissioner  of  Public,  and  structures  for  public  comfort,  42. 

Parks.  Department  of  Public  and  site  for  bath,  44;  and  structures  for 
public  comfort,  42;  er^'ts  urinals  in  city  parks,  177;  plans  of  comfort 
stations  referred  to,  217;  President  of,  43;  provision  of  public  con- 
veniences, 177; 

Paton.  John.  President  Association  for  Improving  the  Condition  of  the 
Poor,  46. 

People's  Bathing  and  Washing  Association,  33. 

People's  Baths,  9,  28,  29,  47,  69.  200;    model  for  Yonkers,  77;  numl)er  of 

bathers,  50;  receipts  and  exiienses,  49. 
Permissive  act  to  establish  free  public  baths,  38. 
Personn,  School  Director,  of  Gottingen,  73. 
Philadelphia,  bathhouses,  66;  plans  for  public  bath,  82;  Public  Baths  Atao- 

ciation  of,  82.  i 

Pingree,  Miss,  on  Boston  Bath  Committee,  79. 


246  Index. 

Plans  and  studies  approved  by  city  authorities,  10;  drawings  and  photo- 
.    gi-aphs,  233;  for  public  baths,  41.    i 

Platform  of  Committee  of  Seventy,  31. 

Police  Department  and  lack  of  public  conveniences,  180,  181. 

Portsmouth  Swimming  Club,  G4. 

Posen,  Germany,  public  conveniences,  197;  school  baths  at,  73. 

Preliminary  Report  Sub-Committee  on  Baths  and  Lavatories,  2'J. 

President  of  the  Department  of  Charities  and  Correction,  a  Muui(ii)al 
Bathhouse  Commissioner,  38. 

Professional,  definition  of,  61. 

Proposed  bath  on  site  100x50,  accommodation,  200;  capacity,  200;  design. 
204;  heating  and  ventilating,  203;  laundry,  202;  public  lavatory,  202; 
water  supply,  203. 

Public  bath  defined,  15;  laws  summarized,  36,  37,  38;  movement  in  New 
York  gives  impulse  to  other  cities,  13. 

Public  Baths  Association  of  Philadelphia,  82. 

Public  baths,  establishment  of,  favored  by  Committee  of  Seventy,  28;  free 
or  paid,  15;  impei'ative  need  of,  17;  municipal,  in  America,  15;  permis- 
sive act,  41;  plans,  43;  should  be  partly  free;  31;  sites  for,  30;  small 
charges  recommended,  23;  urgently  demanded  in  Fifteenth  Assembly 
District,  24. 

Public  Ohai-ities,  Department  of,  baths  at,  54. 

Public  comfort  station  in  Tompkins  Square  proposed  bathhouse,  210. 

Public  comfort  stations,  proposed  underground,  217;  undei-ground,  recom- 
mended, 205. 

Public  comfort,  structui-es  for  the  promotion  of,  41.  I 

Public  conveniences,  charge  for,  210;  proposed,  217;  provision  of,  inade- 
quate, 180;    undex'ground,  183. 

Public  Health  Act,  London,  184. 

Public  lavatory  in  proposed  bath  on  site  100x50,  202. 

Public  schools,  baths  in,  71. 

Public  "Works,  Commissioner  of,  36;  and  public  baths,  41,  35;  confers  with 
Mayor's  Committee,  204,  216;  in  charge  of  public  conveniences,  176. 

Public  Woa-ks,  Depai-tment  of,  36;  to  control  floating  baths.  36. 

Quincy,  Hon.  Josiah,  Mayor  of  Boston,  appoints  bath  committee,  10.  71). 

Rain  baths,  the  principal  bath  maintained  by  benevolent  organizations. 
24. 

Rapid  transit  favored  by  Committee  of  Seventy,  28. 

Recorder  of  New  York,  a  Municipal  Bathhouse  Commissioner,  38. 

Recreation,  lack  of,  in  New  York  City,  55. 

Reichardt,  Anthony,  of  Tenement  House  Commission  of  1884,  21. 

Rent  per  room  in  Fifteenth  Assembly  District,  26;  statistics  of  Federation 
of  Churches  and  Christian  Workers,  25. 

Resuscitation  of  drowned  person.s,  1.56;  lessons  in,  given  to  police,  56. 


Index.  247 

liivcrsidc  Associ.ilioii,  baths  of  tho,  53. 

K(>l»orts,  IJobort  J.,  physical  director  Boston  Y.  M.  G.  A.,  69. 

Home,  gifts  ot  i)iiblic  baths  by  citizens,  10;  numerous  baths,  .3.j. 

Roosevelt,  Theodore.  President  Police  Department,  215;  letter  from.  ISO. 

Uoundsmeu  retiucsttMl  lo  rejjort  available  sites  for  public  comfort  stations, 
216. 

Kules  and  rejrulations  for  bathers,  1.">1;  for  washers,  167. 

Ryan.  Councilman,  on  Boston  Bath  Commltitee,  79.  < 

Saloons  ipi\)vide  comfort  stations,  214;  the  only  public  convenience  now 
providtil,  214. 

Schools,  public,  baths  recommended  in,  30;  measures  favored  by  Com- 
mittee of  Seventy,  29. 

Schools  Swimming  Association.  Ix>ndon,  60. 

Second  Assembly  District,  bath  for,  38. 

Second  Avenue  and  One  Hundred  and  Tenth  Street,  vicinity  recommended 
for  public  bath,  30,  199. 

Separaition  of  State  and  Municii)al  elections  favore<l  by  Commiittee  of 
Seventy,  28. 

Seventeenth  Street  and  the  East  River,  location  for  floating  bath,  37. 

Seventy,  Committee  of,  disbandmeut,  31;  expresses  appreciation  of  Sub- 
Commititee's  study,  31;  nominates  Committee  of  five,  29;  genesis  of, 
27;   organization  of  Sub-Committees,  29;   platform  of,  27. 

Shaler,  Alexander,  of  Tenement  House  Commission  of  1884,  21. 

Sheffield,  urinals  and  waiting  rooms,  expenses  and  receipts,  193. 

Sites  for  public  baths,  30,  199. 

Slums  of  New  York  City,  baths  in,  17. 

Street  cleaners  affected  by  lack  of  public  conveniences,  180. 

Snyder,  C.  B.  J.,  Superintendent  of  School  Buildings,  76. 

Southern  Counties  Amateur  Swimming  Association,  60. 

Spray  bath,  cost  of  a,  70;  superiority  of  the,  70;  recommended,  30;  system, 
economy  of,  47. 

Stevenson,  Dr.  Sarah  Hackett,  of  Chicago,  82. 

Stiles,  Commissioner  of  Park  Department,  criticizes  plans  of  comfort  sta- 
tions, 217. 

St.  John's  Guild,  baths  on  the  Floating  Hospital,  54. 

Strassberg  conveniences,  197. 

Street  cleaning,  thorough  system  of,  favored  by  Committee  of  Seventy,  28. 

Strong,  Hon.  William  L.,  Mayor  of  New  I'ork,  10,  216;  and  public  baths, 
204;  appoints  Advisory  Committee  on  baths,  9;  letter  from,  31. 

Stuttgart,  Germany,  public  conveniences,  197;  school  baths  at,  74;  swim- 
ming baths  at,  81. 

Sub-Committee  of  Committee  of  Seventy,  preliminary  report  on  baths  and 
lavatories,  9,  29;  recommendations,  29;  studies  placed  before  the 
Mayor,  31. 


248  Index. 

Sub-Committees  of  Committee  of  Seventy  organized,  28. 

Swimming  as  part  of  school  curriculum,  68;  as  recreation,  55;  bath,  com- 
paratively recent  institution,  57;  bath,  great  popularity  of,  58;  baths, 
148;  baths,  recommended  by  Tenement  House  Committee  of  1894,  24; 
clubs,  Gl;  competitions  62;  instruction  in,  59. 

Switzerland,  cost  of  public  school  baths,  74. 

Teachers  encouraged  to  learn  swimming,  60. 

Temperature  as  affecting  receipts  at  baths,  128;  in  Hamburg  baths,  139; 
of  douche  baths,  140. 

Tenement  House  Commission  in  1884,  appoiutmeut  of,  21;  re<„-oinmeuda- 
tion  as  to  public  biiths,  21;  work  reviewed  by  Tenement  House  Com- 
mittee of  1894,  23. 

Tenement  House  Committee  of  1894,  appointment  of,  22;  definite  opinion 
on  public  baths  and  lavatories,  23;  recommends  municipal  baths,  23; 
report  preseutwl  to  L/egislaturo,  22. 

Tenement  house  population,  baths  intended  for,  210. 

Tolman,  William  Howe,  11;  Seerertiary  Mayor's  Committee  on  Baths  and 
Comfort  Stations.  29,  199;  Secretary  of  Sub-Committee  on  Baths  and 
Lavatories  29. 

Tompkins  Square,  lavatory  accommodation  in  proposed  bath,  217;  plans 
ifor  baths  in,  10;  proposed  bath,  accommodation,  206;  proposed  bath, 
design.  209;  proposed  bath,  heating  and  ventilating,  208;  proposed  bath, 
laundry  in.  210;  proposed  bath,  objections  to,  210;  public  comfort  sta- 
tion in  proposed  bath,  210;  site  for  bath,  30,  44,  199.  204. 

Trenton,  N.  J.,  action  on  public  bath  question,  84;  Bath  Committee  ap- 
pointed, 9. 

Turkish  bath,  149. 

Underground  conveniences,  advantage  of,  213;  public  comfort  stations 
I'ecommended,  205;  public  iconveniences,  183. 

Urinals  for  each  policeman's  post.  215;  proiwsed,-  215;  proposed,  for  city 
properties,  213;  public,  a  necessity,  174. 

Vienna,  conveniences  as  model,  196;  spray  bath  system,  47;  urinals  an<l 
conveniences,  197. 

Washers,  average  time  worked,  165;  caution  money  demanded.  IGc;;  uuni- 
1    ber  of,  172;  tickets,  167. 

Washhouses,  public,  recommended  for  tenement  house  district,  30. 

Washington  and  Carlisle  streets,  vicinity  recommended  for  public  bath.  30, 

199,  •         ,  ; 

Water  boiled  before  using  for  bat  lis,  143;  cost  of,  in  Moabit  baths,  Berlin. 

132;  polo,  62;  sui)ply  in  bath,  proposed  methotl  of  control,  202;  supply. 

in  public  baths,  2().S;  supply   in  tenement  liousi's.  22. 
Wayfarers'  I^odge.  l>:iths  at  the,  ."3. 
Wellington,  I>r.  (Jertnide  Gail,  of  Chicago.  82. 


Index. 


249 


Wilson,  Hon.  Charles  G.,  Prcsidoiit  of  the  Ilcnllli  I)('|i;iiMiim'Ii1.  ((nit'crs 
with  Mayor's  roiiunittoo,  214;  report  on  Iciliis  in  ioiij,'-inj,'  iionscs. 
18;  roqucsts  plans  for  l>aths.  198. 

Wingate,  Charles  F.,  of  Tenement  House  Coniniission  of  1SS4,  21. 

Wolfe,  John  David,  ou  ISdO  Ci>niinitto<'  of  Sanitary  Incpiiry,  174. 

Woods.  R.  (J.,  (m  Boston  Hath  Coinujittce,  79. 

Wort.liin.L',  Tiirlvish  Latii.  14!». 

Wright,  Cari-oll  D.,  Oomuiissioner  of  Labor,  report  on  slums,  15. 

Yard,  Hon.  Emory  N.,  Mayor  of  Trenton,  appoints  l)atli  eommittoe.  10. 

Youkers  ahead  of  New  York  City  in  pul)lic  l»allis.  UO;  inniiicijial  l)allis.  77. 

17 


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